University students walking toward Changqiao Second Bridge. Photo by Reporter Cheng Ming.
Setting off at noon yesterday and finishing at noon today—34 students from various universities in Wuhan completed a full 24-hour hike to ring in the New Year and challenge themselves. The event was initiated by Malaysian international student Chen Youfu, who gathered students from Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Central China Normal University, Hubei University, and Hubei University of Economics through the internet. They started from Hankou River Beach, passed landmarks such as the Yangtze River Bridge, Wuchang River Beach, and the Second Yangtze River Bridge, hiking along the river for two laps totaling about 100 kilometers. “One lap is for looking back and saying goodbye to 2012; the other is for looking forward and embracing the wonderful year of 2013!” said Chen Youfu.
Weight dropped from 150 kg to 80 kg, international student organizes hiking event
“We will officially start hiking at noon on December 31, 2012. Please bring your own warm drinks and dry food (backpack gear)! Stay warm; wear sportswear, sports shoes, and winter outdoor clothing!” Recently, such a post circulated on QQ Zone, drawing attention from many university students.
The poster was none other than Chen Youfu, a third-year international student majoring in Information Management at Central China Normal University. When he first arrived in Wuhan, Chen weighed 150 kilograms. Due to his weight-loss journey, he fell in love with hiking and over the course of two years, he walked all over the three main areas of Wuhan, eventually slimming down to his current 80 kilograms. “Walking alone is too lonely. This semester, I and a few friends started organizing hiking endurance activities online.” Their routes took them to East Lake at Wuhan University, Hankou River Beach, Mulan Mountain, and they even organized heritage walks along the ancient walls of Jingzhou City. After these events, Chen Youfu and his friends came up with the idea of an upgraded hiking challenge—a 24-hour New Year’s Eve hike.
Chen Youfu said that hiking across the year not only helps build physical strength but also allows for mental reflection and witnessing personal growth. With personal safety as the top priority, any participant feeling physically exhausted or needing to leave the “hiking team” to go home may rest or withdraw from the activity at any time. Yesterday at noon, 34 university students gathered at Hankou River Beach, including 15 female students. Everyone paired up and officially set off at 12 o’clock.
A 30-minute break every 6 hours; some felt physically drained
One of the 34 students is a senior from Hubei University of Economics. His backpack contained water, biscuits, and bread. “Although I haven’t tried this before, I’m prepared for an all-night hike.” Luo Quan, who had just set off, eagerly posted on Weibo. After walking for a little over an hour, everyone started to get a bit winded, and they took a 10-minute break around 1 p.m.
The event rules stated a 30-minute break every 6 hours. Around 3 p.m., the group reached the area near Hubu Alley in Wuchang. At that point, two students from Wuhan University and four from Central China Normal University decided to drop out midway due to personal matters or exhaustion, and they took a bus back to campus.
By 8 p.m. last night, the remaining 28 participants had reached the area under the Second Yangtze River Bridge. They began their dinner and the first official rest period. “It’s still about an hour later than we expected,” said Chen Youfu. Due to fatigue, the group had taken three breaks, but the remaining students were determined to persevere to the end and make it in time to watch the New Year’s fireworks from the center of the bridge.
“Hiking is a healthy sport and also a test of the mind. Walking, just like life’s journey, is tough but you must never give up. You have to keep going with full enthusiasm.” Though exhausted, one of the hikers spoke poetically.