Matt "Don't Die Dad" Natalotto on top of the world after winning his age category in last Sunday's Bitexco Vertical Run. Photo of Matt: courtesy Tuoi Tre News.

For the Swannies, when it comes to diet and fitness, if it’s not Matty Nattylotto (sic) approved, it’s not going down.

Last Sunday, Matt Natalotto proved our point by topping the 40-49 age group in Saigon’s Bitexco Vertical Run. Overall, Matt finished the 50 floor marathon in 20th position which was an incredible achievement.

Trent Mears, who had threatened to also do the run, has unilaterally declared Matt the Swannie of the Month!

The Tuoi Tre Newspaper reports that Matt is:

“An Australian engineer who has worked in the city for three years (and) says he is proud of his achievement of finishing in seven minutes, topping the 41+ category.

“A sports enthusiast, he has attended the Terry Fox run in the city every year and other gruelling events like marathons, triathlons, and beach runs in the country and overseas.

“I have participated in many crazy races and got injured,” he says.

“However, it has not stopped him from joining the stair run. Each runner had to have a number and name or nickname on their vest, and Natalotto’s was “Don’t die, Daddy” – the advice he had got from his worried daughter that morning.”

Matt, who wore his Swannies’ training top during the vertical run, completed it in 6 mins and 59 secs.

Matt says that the organisers of the Vertical Run have invited him to “go elite and race in the next one in Singapore next month! I think I would be bottom end of the elite but its nice to be asked!!”

Congratulations Matt on such an outstanding achievement! And the Swannies Website looks forward to reporting on your elite performance in Singas next month…

For more information on the Bitexco Vertical Run: