During the 8th Xuanzang Road Business Schools Gobi Challenge (hereinafter referred to as "Gobi 8") held from May 20th to May 22nd, over a thousand EMBA participants from across China undertook a four-day, three-night team competition across the Mohuyanqi Gobi, facing challenges like yardangs, saline-alkali land, and camel thorn while trekking 112 kilometers through the Gobi Desert. Protected by Columbia's full range of professional outdoor gear, the SJTU EMBA team fearlessly tackled the ever-changing and extremely harsh climate conditions, ultimately securing an outstanding third-place finish through sheer determination.
Over the course of four days and three nights, the Gobi team trekked across the vast desert, braving frequent severe weather shifts, intense sunlight, and rugged terrain—not just to outperform others, but to surpass themselves. The SJTU EMBA Gobi team has participated in every edition of the challenge since its inception, consistently ranking among the top five teams overall. The American specialty outdoor brand Columbia equipped the SJTU EMBA team with a full set of outdoor gear, whose professional performance and technology better prepared the participants for the grueling journey. Columbia’s renowned Outdry waterproof multi-terrain hiking shoes, Omni-Wick moisture-wicking technology, Omni-Shade UV protection technology, and Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable jackets were tailor-made for these fearless polar-challenge-ready athletes, delivering exceptional professional protection and safeguarding the SJTU EMBA team throughout their journey.
The Gobi trek covered an extensive distance with winding, complex terrain, compounded by the early summer heat and relentless sunlight—posing an extreme physical test for the participants. Columbia Outdry waterproof multi-terrain hiking shoes combine waterproofing, cushioning, lightweight construction, and superior grip, making them professional off-road footwear that offered crucial protection on challenging terrains. Their midsoles feature Techlite lightweight cushioning technology, reducing the overall weight of the shoes while minimizing impact on the feet during outdoor activities, meeting the high-performance demands of multi-day treks across the Gobi’s rugged landscapes. The Omni-Grip outsole, designed with mini lugs, delivers excellent traction and durability, ensuring steady footing on any surface. The challenge also involved water crossings, and the Outdry hiking shoes are highly waterproof. Columbia’s OutDry technology innovatively fuses the waterproof layer three-dimensionally into the shoe’s inner wall, creating a robust barrier that effectively prevents water or mud from seeping in—overcoming the drawback of traditional waterproofing methods where moisture could get trapped between the waterproof membrane and the shoe upper. Coupled with efficient breathability, these shoes allow for carefree trekking across varied terrains without worry, keeping feet dry and comfortable.
In the scorching, arid expanse of the Mohuyanqi Gobi Desert, where the sun beats down relentlessly, participants faced extreme challenges. Columbia’s professional Omni-Wick moisture-wicking apparel accelerates evaporation and sweat absorption when perspiration intensifies, keeping the skin cool and dry. Columbia’s quick-dry hats and clothing also feature Omni-Shade UV protection technology, with tightly woven fabric that effectively blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, shielding participants from sun damage. Columbia’s sun protection hats even come with Omni-Freeze Zero cooling sweatbands that use perspiration to lower fabric temperature and speed up drying, delivering a sustained cool feeling. The rear wind guard also helps block sand and wind, ideal for desert conditions. With significant day-night temperature fluctuations in the Gobi, Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable jackets provide outstanding windproof and waterproof protection, ensuring participants can adapt to dropping nighttime temperatures and stronger winds.
After several days of grueling challenges and traversing 112 kilometers of the Gobi, the 8th Gobi Challenge concluded to thunderous cheers and applause. Thanks to Columbia’s gear accompanying them every step of the way, the SJTU Antai EMBA team conquered the hardships, pushed their limits, and achieved an outstanding third-place finish.