On the afternoon of July 2, the opening ceremony of the first "Top Ten Universities 300-Kilometer Hiking Marathon," co-hosted by Peking University and the People's Government of Mentougou District, was held in the multifunctional hall of the May Fourth Gymnasium at Peking University. Fifty participants from ten universities—Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University, Xiamen University, Zhejiang University, University of Science and Technology of China, and Renmin University of China—gathered in Beijing to take on China’s first ultra-long-distance, ultra-long-duration hiking marathon. Attendees included Liu Wei, Executive Vice President of Peking University; Li Xin, Deputy District Chief of Mentougou District; Ye Jingyi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Peking University; Li Chenyu, Chairman of Beijing Huaxia Peace Culture Media Co., Ltd., the event’s sponsor; Yang Liqiang, Chairman of Beijing Robinson Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.; Yao Xinxin, Director of the China Committee of the International Trail Running Association; Jia Qunlin, Director of the National Earthquake Emergency Rescue Training Base; Wen Dongmao, Dean of the School of Education at Peking University; Li Ning, Director of the Physical Education Teaching and Research Section at Peking University; Wang Liping, women’s 20-kilometer race walk champion at the 2000 Sydney Olympics; and Fan Ye, balance beam champion at the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships. The ceremony was hosted by Shao Shengyi, a renowned host from China Central Television.
At the opening ceremony, Executive Vice President Liu Wei delivered the opening speech. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and organizers of the event. Liu emphasized the significant role of sports in the growth of contemporary college students. Cai Yuanpei, a renowned Chinese educator and former president of Peking University, once stated that “a complete personality begins with sports.” Strengthening physical exercise plays an important role in enhancing youth health and developing well-rounded character. He encouraged all participants to uphold the principles of “friendship first, competition second,” “participation, learning, and self-improvement,” and to embrace the spirit of youth, self-enhancement, and personal growth through the event.
The hiking team passes by the lawn at Peking University’s Jingyuan Garden
The "Top Ten Universities 300-Kilometer Hiking Marathon" is jointly organized by Peking University and the People's Government of Mentougou District. It is a key event held in response to the “Three Go’s” initiative issued by the Communist Youth League Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, the General Administration of Sport of China, and the National Federation of Students—“Step away from the internet, step out of the dormitory, and step onto the sports field.” With the purpose of “a complete personality begins with sports” and the slogan “Hike youth, climb dreams,” the event emphasizes perseverance and teamwork while downplaying competitive intensity and individual heroism, aiming to achieve genuine educational impact. This event also pioneers ultra-long-duration, ultra-long-distance hiking marathons in China. Over the course of 12 days, students will hike more than 300 kilometers in Mentougou District, challenging and improving themselves in an exceptionally demanding environment.