The endurance challenge with enduring appeal

BMW Hood to Coast Relay wins more fans with latest Hainan edition

The BMW Hood to Coast Relay's growing popularity with both professional and amateur runners lies in its unique format, an emphasis on teamwork, and its variety of scenic courses. That's the esteemed opinion of marathon veteran Cheng Qianyu after he experienced both Chinese editions of the race this year.

"The Hood to Coast Relay is very different from the marathon, because it requires people to work together in teams," Cheng told China Daily on Friday.

"Each leg of the race provides variety for runners, who need not only speed but also great endurance to finish. So, actually I think it's more fun and challenging than regular marathons."

This year's BMW Hood to Coast China-Hainan Relay began from picturesque Tonggu Mountain at midnight on Dec 11, with five-person teams challenged to complete the 156.4-kilometer course within 24 hours. A total of 400 teams participated in the event.

The route took in the cities of Wenchang, Qionghai and Wanning, with a party awaiting at the finish line at Shimei Bay. The course comprised 15 sections, each of which needed to be completed by one team member while the others traveled by car and interchanged at the end of each leg.

It was the second Hood to Coast staged in China this year, following a Sept 25 relay in Hebei province that began at Senado Field in the grasslands surrounding Zhangjiakou, the city that will co-host the Beijing Winter Olympics. The finish line was located in mountain terrain at Wanlong Paradise Resort, with 351 teams taking on the 145.6-kilometer course.

Cheng participated in both relays this year, with his team finishing third in Hainan.

"The Hood to Coast Relay is a really interesting race. I like its name for a start, which evokes the challenge the runners face. With the Hainan and Zhangjiakou options, runners can experience two totally different courses each year," Cheng said.

"The weather at each location differs, which also presents challenges to professional runners. I hope the relay can keep growing and become a permanent fixture on China's running calendar.