Celebrating Ten Years of the Gaobai Relay: A Grand Final Along the Huangpu Riverside

2025 Gaobai Relay – A Celebration of Youth and Sport

On December 7, 2025, the 10th Anniversary Grand Final of the Gaobai Relay took place against the stunning backdrop of the Huangpu–Xuhui Riverside in Shanghai. This celebrated event, recognized for fostering athleticism among youth, began with great anticipation as the starting gun fired at 8:00 a.m., ushering in a day of fierce competition.

This year's edition witnessed a remarkable turnout, with 100 university teams vying for supremacy. The competition featured not only local teams that advanced through rigorous regional divisions and city-level qualifications across the country but also welcomed several international squads and wildcard entries, culminating in an impressive assembly of nearly 1,300 youthful athletes eager to showcase their skills.

Continuing its traditional format, each team engaged in a 10×16 km relay, collectively covering a monumental distance of 160 km. The event saw Shanghai University of Sport emerge victorious, clinching its inaugural Gaobai Grand Final title with a remarkable finishing time of 9:27:02. Following closely were competitors from Chongqing University and Lanzhou Jiaotong University, who achieved commendable times of 9:28:22 and 9:30:03, respectively.

In the spirit of innovation and community engagement, the Grand Final encompassed a series of initiatives extending across iconic Shanghai landmarks, including the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall and the vibrant Huangpu and Xuhui Riverside areas. These local landmarks were transformed into integral elements of the celebratory atmosphere, resonating a profound urban narrative sparked by this pivotal sporting event.

Guided by the core principle of multi-dimensional integration, the event not only highlighted athletic achievement but also activated a spectrum of social, cultural, and developmental values. Over the past decade, Gaobai has progressed alongside countless dedicated young runners, emerging as a significant contributor to education, cultural connection, and community involvement.

Ma Jingwei, CEO of Move Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the event organizer, emphasized the broader implications of the Gaobai Relay, stating, "The value of Gaobai transcends mere competition; it is rooted in the social vitality and youthful spirit that sports inspire. Our aim is to transform sport into a platform for learning, character-building, and inspiration.”

Her reflection celebrates Gaobai's decade-long journey while casting an optimistic vision for its future. As it moves into the next decade, Gaobai aims to continuously empower youth, broaden development opportunities, and strengthen global engagement, forging a clear path for more young individuals to lead healthier lifestyles, embrace global connections, and stride confidently into their futures.

The event concluded not just as a sporting contest, but as a vibrant celebration of youth resilience, community spirit, and the unyielding drive for excellence that embodies the heart of the Gaobai Relay. Looking ahead, it promises to remain a cornerstone of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a catalyst for growth within the community, continuing to impact lives in positive ways for years to come.