Mountain Measurer – Turning Running into a Stylish and Fun Experience
The World Cup is over. What will you do for your nightlife?
Go shopping, sing karaoke, or stay at home...?
Actually, you can choose a healthier and more entertaining way – the "Mountain Measurer" Purple Mountain Fluorescent Run!
In recent years, China’s running market has shown explosive growth. The number of runners has rapidly expanded, and a wide variety of running styles have emerged. Events such as marathons and trail runs have been increasing continuously. Internationally renowned professional running brands have started to pay attention to and attempt to enter the Chinese market. Traditional domestic outdoor retailers have begun to venture into the sales of professional running gear, and leading outdoor brands have expanded their running product lines. A series of industry data show that a brand-new running era has arrived. Riding on the wave of this running boom, during the 2014 Asia Outdoor Exhibition, the NORTHLAND Cup Sanfo Outdoor "Mountain Measurer" Purple Mountain Fluorescent Run was grandly launched.
On the evening of July 25th, over 600 "Mountain Measurers" from all over the country who love outdoor sports gathered at the foot of Nanjing’s Purple Mountain. The rain couldn’t dampen the participants’ enthusiasm for measuring the mountain. Although it was the hottest and most sweltering time of summer in Nanjing, the typhoon-brought light rain made the air on Purple Mountain especially fresh, and the cool breeze allowed the fluorescent night runners to enjoy a uniquely refreshing run. Many family and friends came to cheer them on, and both the cheerleaders and the runners were dressed colorfully, wearing neon green running quick-dry T-shirts and various fluorescent accessories, lighting up the venue brilliantly. Several girls happily posed for photos in various styles. I heard them excitedly talking: “It’s so trendy. Running with all these fluorescent lights must look amazing, so romantic. I’ll come every year from now on. Haha, we’re the girl version of Mountain Measurers too!”
Visit the Asia Outdoor Exhibition & Run the Mountain Measurer Race
This race was the second one jointly organized by Sanfo Outdoor and the Asia Outdoor Exhibition. It attracted many exhibitors and visitors from all over the country, as well as many local Nanjing outdoor enthusiasts, who brought the enthusiasm of the exhibition to the central sports park square of Purple Mountain.
The 9th Asia Outdoor Exhibition has successfully become a barometer of China’s current outdoor industry. 613 exhibitors from home and abroad gathered in Nanjing. To better promote the exhibition and increase interaction, the organizers, together with Sanfo Outdoor – currently the largest professional outdoor retail channel in China – co-hosted the "Mountain Measurer" Purple Mountain Fluorescent Run. This added a new highlight to the exhibition while also embodying the spirit of the outdoor industry through the event.
600 Mountain Measurers Gather at Zhongshan Brilliant Colors Light Up the Night Sky of Purple Mountain
The Sanfo Outdoor "Mountain Measurer" Fluorescent Run is the first large-scale event in China to incorporate the concept of fluorescence into night running. This event collaborated with many outdoor brands, showcasing the features of professional outdoor gear to the runners in all aspects – from clothing and equipment, to lighting and outdoor reflective materials. The track, decorated with reflective or luminescent materials, provided runners with one of the most thrilling and exciting courses.
The participants were a group of people who love to measure the earth with their feet. The beautiful Central Sports Park of Purple Mountain welcomed the Mountain Measurer running competition during the hot summer season. While many regions and cities across the country were setting records for century-high temperatures, simply signing up was already an act of bravery, not to mention the long distance to be covered. Even so, over 600 brave souls from all over the country gathered, with runners enjoying the Nanjing night view under the starry sky, experiencing the thrill of sweating it out, and witnessing a dazzling river of light created by the starry sky and our colorful, cool lights, along with the fireflies dancing on the mountain, forming an astonishing and unforgettable scene. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, we – the mountain lovers – enjoyed even more fun in running together.
Everyone encouraged and cheered each other, showcasing the unique humanistic charm of outdoor events. In them, we saw more of "sports, joy, dreams, friendliness, mutual help, perseverance, and endurance." From teenagers just turning 18 to white-haired elders aged 64, from office workers to college freshmen, from petite girls to muscular young men, they all enjoyed the happiness brought by sports in their own ways. Whether tired or in pain, it was all ultimately worth it. This unique experience will surely become one of the most unforgettable memories in each person’s life.
Thoughtful Guidance & Good Order Made the Race Feel Like a Gathering
Many people love outdoor sports because of the unique atmosphere among outdoor enthusiasts. There’s always a smile on their faces, they are always considerate and orderly, they love nature and know how to care for family and friends. Though strangers, once they gather, they become one big, happy family. These unique charms were something I fully felt upon arriving at the race. An unfamiliar elder brother offered various technical tips about summer running, and friends I didn’t know offered to take photos for me. Everyone had smiles on their faces.
Since it was a night run, reflective materials were used for road signs along the route, which were visible almost everywhere. Staff members were also stationed at major intersections to remind everyone to stay safe. There was almost no litter on the course. Even tourists who came up the mountain to see the fireflies would stop to cheer for the runners!
Given that many participants last year expressed that the 13km course wasn’t challenging enough, this year the Challenge Group route for the Measurers was extended to 18km. To attract more participants to experience the run, an 8km Fluorescent Experience Group was added on top of last year’s offerings. Registration was extremely popular from the start. Many who didn’t manage to sign up came to the site to cheer on the runners. One friend said: “I didn’t know about this event at first. By the time I found out, registration had already ended. Next year I’ll definitely prepare early. I want to shine alongside them while measuring the mountain!” His words revealed a hint of regret.
A first-time participant told me: During the toughest part of the race – a continuous uphill section – he almost wanted to give up, slowing down his pace and stride. But many strangers who passed by asked if he needed help or cheered him on, making the race feel full of familial warmth.
A veteran participant who was competing for the second time also said: “This year’s course design was very reasonable. Although some dangerous sections were slightly shortened due to the weather, it was a responsible move for all runners. The course’s support was also great, with six supply stations set up along just over ten kilometers. I didn’t expect there to be so many surprises back at the finish line, including a super cool medal this year – it’s the first medal of my life. This was truly worth it!”
We only create races where every participant can feel the joy of sports. We never put on a show.
Sanfo Outdoor Sports Management Co., Ltd. currently operates five self-created events in China. In addition to the annual "Mountain Measurer" Fluorescent Run at Purple Mountain during the Asia Outdoor Exhibition, there is also the fifteen-year-running Sanfo Outdoor Triathlon, as well as the Park Costume Run during the ISPO Exhibition. “We only create races where every participant can feel the joy of sports. We never put on a show,” said Ms. Zhang Chaohui, General Manager of Sanfo Outdoor Sports Management Company, in an interview with us.
After the interview, I saw a race poster on the wall of Sanfo Outdoor’s office. Six bold words – “Love the Outdoors Just Come” – explained the relationship between outdoor life and us in the simplest language. Could the person who wants to challenge themselves next be you?
2015 Will Surely Bring More Anticipation
Happy gatherings are always short-lived. At the finish line, many runners who completed the race gathered like old friends to share and exchange their experiences, with laughter filling the air. The deep night could not hide the warmth among people. I believe that in the summer of 2015, even more people with shared interests will come together. If you, like us, love the outdoors, vitality, joy, and dreams; if you enjoy measuring the mountains with your feet and love free-running, welcome to join the "Mountain Measurer" Fluorescent Run. Let’s meet again at Purple Mountain next year, gather our friends, and enjoy the outdoors, the infinite charm of night running, and the fun of measuring the mountain!
Basic Information Overview:
Full Name of the Event:
2014 NORTHLAND Cup Sanfo Outdoor "Mountain Measurer" Purple Mountain Fluorescent Run
Event Introduction:
The Sanfo Outdoor "Mountain Measuring Heroes" Purple Mountain Fluorescent Run is a fun, mass-participation outdoor trail running event jointly created by Nanjing Ningfei International Exhibition Co., Ltd. and Beijing Sanfo Outdoor Sports Management Co., Ltd. It aims to better promote outdoor sports and advocate the spirit of athleticism. The event brings a vibrant fluorescent night run for running enthusiasts; adds a unique splash of cool color to Nanjing’s hot summer; and presents an exhibition that feels closer to everyday life for the citizens of Nanjing.
Event Overview
Organizers:
Nanjing Ningfei International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (Asia Outdoor)
Beijing Sanfo Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
Title Sponsor:
NORTHLAND (Norlán) Brand
Co-organizers:
Yangjiang Nalite Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.
Addnature Sports Goods Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Nutrilon (China) Trading Co., Ltd.
Yitong Textile Technology Co., Ltd.
POLYGIENE Antibacterial Material
Ningbo Shanlishi Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
Yunshang Media Agency
Media Supporters:
Phoenix Online, Outdoor Adventure, Outdoor Gear, Green Light Outdoor Network, Runner's World, China Outdoor & Mountaineering, Photography Friends, Sohu Outdoor, Tencent Outdoor, Sina Outdoor, Yipao Network, China Outdoor Network, SIZE Outdoor Enthusiasts, 8264, and others
Supporting Organizations:
Nanjing Sport Institute
Nanjing Outdoor Sports Association
Nanjing Sanfo Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
Executive Organizer:
Beijing Sanfo Outdoor Sports Management Co., Ltd.
Event Location:
Nanjing Zhongshan Sports Park (Purple Mountain Scenic Area)
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-53653