Although the eyes of the running world were turned to Berlin's world record-breaking marathon on Saturday, another feat of stamina also took place in the southwestern German town of Rottweil.

Some 700 people signed up to take part in a race up the stairs of ThyssenKrupp's elevator testing tower.

Runners faced the daunting task of dashing up 1,390 steps from the base of the tower to the observation deck — which is located some 232 meters up.

Police academy students as well as firefighters in full gear had the first go at the tower, reported local public broadcaster SWR.

Firefighters in full gear as well as police academy students had the first go at the tower on Saturday morning to take part in a stress test, reported local public broadcaster SWR.

Elite runners and team runners followed, with the race continuing through the afternoon.

At a height of 246 meters (807 feet), the building in Rottweil is one of the world's tallest elevator testing towers, making it the tallest staircase race in Germany.

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