On June 25, the "Challenge 8 Hours" 2013 Charity Hiking & Trail Running Event was officially launched. Co-organized by the China Youth Development Foundation and the Hebei Youth Development Foundation, sponsored by Perfect (China) Co., Ltd., and co-sponsored by Operation Hope Hong Kong, Ci Media, and the People’s Government of Luanping County, the event will take place on the fragrant autumn day of September 28. Participants from across the country—including individuals, families, and corporate/institutional teams—will gather at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall in Hebei Province to take part in a unique mountain marathon, hiking for love and challenging themselves for a cause.
The "Challenge 8 Hours" Charity Hiking & Trail Running Event is a moderately challenging outdoor walking activity that combines sports with philanthropy, representing a new model of social participation in charity. This event is a public fundraising initiative launched by the China Youth Development Foundation, drawing inspiration from related international charity programs.
This year’s "Challenge 8 Hours" is the second edition following the successful inaugural event last year. The event will continue to encourage participants to challenge their physical limits while raising funds for charitable projects. With the determination and perseverance demonstrated in completing the race, participants aim to inspire those around them to support and engage in public welfare efforts. Funds raised will support the "Project Hope Happy Reading" program in rural primary schools in Ya’an (Sichuan), Hebei, and Yunnan, providing quality children’s books to rural schools, training rural reading teachers, and helping schools organize "reading classes" and reading sharing sessions. Additionally, the organizer, the China Youth Development Foundation, announced that the "Challenge 8 Hours" event will serve as a fundraising platform open to other social nonprofit organizations. Any legally registered nonprofit organization in China may form a team in the name of their institution to raise donations and participate in the event. All funds raised will be managed collectively by the China Youth Development Foundation’s New Factory Joint Fundraising Fund and allocated to relevant organizations to implement their charitable projects.
Participants experience the Jinshanling Great Wall race route.
It is understood that this year’s "Challenge 8 Hours" will take place at the majestic and culturally rich ancient Jinshanling section of the Great Wall in Hebei Province. The race route design reflects China’s unique ancient Great Wall culture and village heritage. Participants will trek along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, pass through pristine villages, and cross rugged mountain ranges, experiencing a one-of-a-kind mountain marathon. Beyond the athletic challenge, runners can also enjoy panoramic views of the Great Wall’s autumn scenery. The event organizing committee has set up multiple checkpoints, aid stations, rescue vehicles, and support teams along the route to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
In response to requests from participants of last year’s "Challenge 8 Hours," this year’s event features three race categories: a 43.9-kilometer Challenge Race, a 23.9-kilometer Experience Race, and a 13.5-kilometer Family Walk. These can be entered individually, as a four-person team (freely formed or organized by companies/institutions), or as a three-person family team, respectively. Participants are required to complete their chosen course within the specified time limit. The China Youth Development Foundation will issue donation certificates and finisher certificates to all participants. Additionally, for family teams in the Family Walk category, the organizing committee will host special on-site activities such as interactive games and team-building exercises between urban and rural children. Urban families will also have the opportunity to pair up with children from supported rural areas, fostering long-term mutual support relationships and shared growth.