SHANGHAI, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 8, the grand finale of the 2024 Universities 100 Mile Relay took place in Shanghai, marking the culmination of an electrifying celebration of youth, passion, and international collaboration. More than just a sports event, it was a cultural and urban spectacle showcasing the fusion of global perspectives and athletic excellence. The event brought together top university athletes from China and overseas, demonstrating the unifying power of sports and cross-cultural exchange.
The Universities 100 Mile Relay is China's most prestigious collegiate relay running event, known for its extensive participation, influential reach, and its status as one of the longest-running university sports competitions. Over 1,000 universities participate in this annual event. This year marks the ninth edition of this celebrated competition.
It also welcomed international athletes from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, who formed a special international relay team. Their participation added a global dimension to the event, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange among young people from diverse backgrounds. Jonas, a student from Cologne Sport University in Germany, shared his excitement after the race: "The course in Shanghai is incredible, with stunning views and an electrifying atmosphere." For international participants, the event was more than a competition—it was an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and experience the dynamic charm of Shanghai.
The 10-mile loop route traversed Shanghai's iconic Xuhui and Huangpu districts, blending urban landmarks with natural scenery. Starting at the Dome Art Center, runners passed through renowned sites like the West Bund Dream Center and Nanpu Bridge, offering a vivid experience of Shanghai's historical and modern landscapes. This "Golden Riverside Route" not only thrilled competitors with its challenges but also allowed them to experience the unique allure of this global metropolis.
As a comprehensive international sports event, "integration" emerged as a defining theme of this year's finals. Under the slogan "Travel with the Event", it combined sports with culture, commerce, and tourism. Accompanying activities such as the CityWalk Orienteering Race and the Huangpu River Night Cruise offered cultural exploration and leisure, transforming the competition into a multi-dimensional experience. These initiatives highlighted the event's potential to drive cultural and commercial synergy, boosting consumer activity in nearby business districts and stimulating growth in sectors such as dining and retail.
The event's organizer and founding company, Move Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., is a leading "sports + technology" enterprise. CEO Ma Jingwei commented: "The Universities 100 Mile Relay will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. We remain committed to using sports as a medium for international cultural exchange, providing a world-class competitive platform for university athletes worldwide, and contributing to Shanghai's ambition of becoming a globally influential sports event hub." Move Technology specializes in the application of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, in sports scenarios. The company continues to set the benchmark for best practices in the integration of technology and sports.