The Táoyě Outdoor Challenge: Uninhabited Area Grassland Parent-Child Hiking Race Concludes Successfully

2019 Year 8 Month 14 Day, the third edition of the Challenge of the Uninhabited Area | Hulunbuir Grassland Station, a parent-child hiking challenge race organized by Táoyě Outdoor, concluded successfully.

A liberation of nature, a carnival of freedom

A gift from nature to every family

In the name of love, hand in hand

Listening to gentle whispers between heaven and earth

When it comes to the grassland, what comes to our minds is paradise — a vast expanse of green, where horses gallop across the plains, carrying away wisps of breeze in their wake, and herds of cattle and sheep leisurely bask in the sun, occasionally conversing with the green grass, serene and content.

However, when you actually arrive here, you understand for the first time the meaning of that saying: “The eyes see paradise, but the feet tread hell.” Trudging through muddy ground, accompanied by light drizzle, you keep moving forward, breaking barriers, surpassing limits — all for the resounding war drums at the finish line, all to be a role model for your child, or to earn the approval of your parents and become a true little hero.

Those who haven’t been here will never know what these four days were truly like. Tears aren’t held back, laughter isn’t forced, and the honor of being a warrior isn’t given freely. Every footprint here, every blade of green grass, every wisp of breeze records the determined spirit of the warriors. This journey was one of fearless progress.

On the first day here, perhaps even the heavens were moved by their courage, shedding tears involuntarily as the journey began amid light scattered rain.

It was the first time they did warm-up exercises in the rain, putting on raincoats and heading into a green expanse.

It was the first time they ran free, unbound — even with muddy feet and dirty legs, they didn’t care, charging ahead with vigor.

It was the first time they put down their phones and fully embraced the embrace of Mother Nature. No harsh weather could dampen their joy.

The second day here was a comprehensive challenge for both body and mind. Thirty-six grueling kilometers — they had never imagined the distance between two red flags could be so long, yet every inch of it would be conquered underfoot.

They had never imagined that chasing clouds across the vast open skies could be such a joyful thing, or that smiling toward the sun could make them feel their brightest.

They had never imagined that whether from the starting point to the supply station or from the start to the finish, whether they were little heroes or great warriors, the pain in their feet wouldn’t affect their determination to push forward. Their only desire was the red flag waiting at the end.

With the training of the first two days behind them, the third day’s distance felt almost like a game. The warriors walked with firm steps along the grassland trails, where the chirping of insects, the fragrance of flowers, and the breeze cheered them on at every turn.

The floating hot air balloons seemed to understand their feelings, lifting people to listen to the stories of the sky. Looking down at the path below, every pothole, every muddy patch, every stone had brushed past them. Perhaps unnoticed, but they witnessed every step the warriors took.

The evening gala heralded victory, with flames shooting from the stage igniting everyone’s hearts. This stage belonged not just to the performers, but to everyone who completed the 108-kilometer journey.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. Though the fourth day was expected to be the most exciting, it was instead shrouded early in the emotion of farewell.

Perhaps after today, they would never eat instant noodles or watermelons from the supply stations and campsites again.

Perhaps after today, they would no longer get to race their friends to fly kites.

Perhaps after today, they would never again hold hands and cheer together across the endless green fields.

The paths you’ve never walked are worth running for. Step out, and the world is yours.

The people they fought alongside, regardless of age, will forever be bright jewels in their memories. In those few days, it was your smiles that warmed restless hearts.