The Xiang an District Government, the National Olympic Sports Center and Xiamen Daily jointly held the first Xiangyu Xiamen (Xiang an) International 100-Kilometer Hiking Challenge on October 19 and October 20 on Dadeng Island in Xiang an. Organizers hope the competition will become another premiere event along with the Xiamen Marathon and a similar event in Beijing.
6 000 hikers
6000
The competition featured a five-kilometer hike for amateurs and a 100-kilometer hike for professionals. Approximately 6,000 people, including 257 professionals, took part in the event. Participants who completed the journey within a prescribed time limit were awarded a credential and a souvenir. The top 12 finishers in the 100-kilometer competition were each given a medal and a cash prize ranging from 2,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan.
According to race officials, the competition will be an annual event expected to attract 10,000 domestic and international participants in five to 10 years, making it one of the world s major hiking competitions.
Challenging terrain
Dadeng s rolling hills and scenery are well-suited for hiking competitions. The route for the 100-kilometer competition began at the Kinmen Bay Hotel and ended at the gate of the Yinlu Group. The trail crossed through major tourist attractions such as Fragrance Hill Rock and the Zhuxi Academy.
The 10-kilometer hiking was canceled at the last minute due to Typhoon Megi. The route for the 10-kilometer competition was originally intended to begin at Xiaodeng Island and to end on Dadeng Island. Participants were to have made their way between the two islands at low tide by crossing muddy beaches.
GPS monitors
GPS
In light of the long route across treacherous terrain, event organizers used GPS devices to track the participants, a new feature for Chinese hiking competitions. Each of the 257 participants in the professional category was equipped with a GPS device that allowed race officials to pinpoint their location and check their speed.
Extensive support
The competition routes included a range of terrain traversed by asphalt roads, pebble footpaths, dirt roads and jungle trails. The path reached a peak elevation of 400 meters and included eight check points, 14 supply stations and a comprehensive service station.
Up to eight referees manned each station and registered participant s splits. The stations offered water, food and first aid to the race participants. Pickup points for exhausted hikers were offered at the 31-kilometer point at Tongmin an, the 52-kilometer point at Gongpoliao and the 66-kilometer point at Yulu Elementary School. Hikers were followed by two vans that provided assistance to struggling participants.
Nighttime safety
The hiking competition was an overnight affair that included rest camps at the 52-kilometer and 66-kilometer way stations for participants who wanted to take a break. In addition to the GPS device, each participant was equipped with a headlamp and a reflective vest. The route was also patrolled by more than 20 motorcycles and dark sections were artificially illuminated.
Scenery along the trail
Tongmin an
Fragrance Hill Rock
Huaiti Temple
Gongpoliao
Matang village
Translated by Mary Zhang
Hiking tips
How to prepare
Reduce pack weight -- bring only what is absolutely necessary. If there is water along the way, filter water rather than carrying it to reduce pack weight.
Tell someone the route and the expected length of the hike.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so pack rain gear.
Hydrate before setting out.
If it is hot, wear light-colored clothing and hike in a thin, moisture-wicking base layer.
What to bring
Duct tape. From clothing to gear, it fixes anything.
A pocket knife or multi-tool is an absolute must.
Forget water bottles and focus on hydration packs.
Take extra boot laces.
Keep quick energy handy -- pack chocolates and energy bars.
Just in case, take a basic first-aid kit.
What to do
Empty the water filter after each use to avoid carrying extra weight.
Eat and drink before the onset of hunger and thirst to avoid bonking.
Eat a series of small meals rather than a couple of large meals to keep energy levels consistent.
During extended rests, loosen shoes and raise feet to reduce swelling.
Carry a spare handkerchief to dip in cool streams for a quick cool down.)
What is hiking
Hiking is a popular outdoor activity that consists of walking in natural environments. In Europe and North America, hiking has enjoyed popularity for centuries as a healthy activity. There are tens of millions of hiking enthusiasts in Japan, Germany and North America. Hiking began to catch on in China during the late 1990s in Beijing, Guangzhou, Kunmin and Shanghai. The emergence of the internet has made it easier to organize official hiking events.
Hiking abroad
The Netherlands
Hiking has a history of more than 100 years in the Netherlands. In 1893 an organization called C. Dudok de Wit organized the country s first hiking event.
Japan
Hiking is referred to as the walking life in Japan. It is regularly practiced by more than 30 million people and has been included in the nation s official health policy.
Germany
Hiking is the most popular leisure sport in Germany. Approximately 37 million German people, or nearly half of the nation s total population, went on at least one hike in 2007.
IVV
The Internationaler Volkssportverband (also known as the International Federation of Popular Sports) is an organization founded in 1968 by clubs from Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland to encourage unforced walking as a healthier activity for the general public. The organization has its headquarters in Munich, Germany.
IML Walking Association
The founding members of the IML, formerly known as the International Marching League, are the eight walking event organizations that jointly formed the association in 1987. The organizations are from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland. At present, the IML has 24 member nations, including Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain and the U.K.
Hiking events in China
Beijing International Mountain Hiking
The first Beijing International Mountain Hiking took place on September 23 and September 24. The hike attracted about 10,000 participants from more than 20 countries. The route focused on Zhaitang Town in the Mentougou District. The annual hike is organized by the Beijing Sports Administration, the Mentougou District People s Government, the Beijing Sports Federation and the Beijing International Exchange Association.
MacLehose Trail
The MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong stretches 100 kilometers in 10 segments across rugged terrain. Each November, the 22-year-old Oxfam Trailwalker fund-raising hike traverses the trail. Participants in teams of four attempt to complete the 100-kilometer journey within 48 hours. The event attracts thousands of hikers in more than 900 teams.
( From http://www.common-talk.com )
