SHANGHAI, Dec. 11, 2024 — The 2024 Universities 100 Mile Relay concluded in Shanghai on December 8th, culminating a vibrant display of youthful energy, athleticism, and international collaboration. This event transcended a simple sporting competition, becoming a cultural and urban spectacle showcasing a blend of global perspectives and athletic excellence. Leading university athletes from China and abroad participated, highlighting the unifying potential of sports and cross-cultural interaction.
The Universities 100 Mile Relay is China’s most prestigious collegiate relay race, renowned for its widespread participation, substantial influence, and long-standing history as one of the country’s longest-running university sporting events. Over 1,000 universities participated in this year’s competition, the ninth edition of this acclaimed event.
International athletes from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan also participated, forming a dedicated international relay team. Their presence broadened the event’s scope, fostering cultural exchange among young people from diverse backgrounds. Jonas, a student from Cologne Sport University in Germany, expressed his enthusiasm following the race: “The Shanghai course is incredible, with breathtaking views and an electrifying atmosphere.” For these international participants, the event provided a valuable opportunity to experience Chinese culture and explore the dynamism of Shanghai.
The 10-mile loop course covered Shanghai’s iconic Xuhui and Huangpu districts, integrating urban landmarks with natural scenery. Beginning at the Dome Art Center, runners passed notable locations such as the West Bund Dream Center and Nanpu Bridge, offering a dynamic showcase of Shanghai’s historical and modern landscapes. This “Golden Riverside Route” presented a thrilling challenge for competitors while allowing them to appreciate the unique charm of this global city.
“Integration” was a central theme of this year’s finals, a comprehensive international sporting event. Under the theme “Travel with the Event”, it successfully combined sports with culture, commerce, and tourism. Accompanying activities like the CityWalk Orienteering Race and the Huangpu River Night Cruise enhanced the cultural and leisure aspects, offering a multifaceted experience. These initiatives underscored the event’s capacity to foster cultural and commercial synergy, stimulating consumer activity in nearby districts and boosting sectors like dining and retail.
Move Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the event’s organizer and founding company, is a leading “sports + technology” firm. CEO Ma Jingwei stated: “The Universities 100 Mile Relay will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. We remain dedicated to using sports as a platform for international cultural exchange, offering a world-class competitive platform for university athletes globally, and contributing to Shanghai’s goal of becoming a leading global sports event hub.” Move Technology specializes in integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, into sporting events, continually setting the standard for technological innovation in the sports sector.
SOURCE Move Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.