The "First China・Wuxiang Taihang Cross-Country Challenge," jointly organized by the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and others, took place on September 15–16, 2012, in Wuxiang County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province — a sacred site of China’s revolution. After two days of intense and fierce competition, the "Hongxingyang Cup" 2012 First China・Wuxiang Taihang Cross-Country Challenge successfully concluded on September 16 at the square of the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall in Wuxiang, Shanxi. The Kolumb (Colombia) outdoor team overcame numerous challenges and ultimately secured third place in the competition.
※Competition Highlights
The entire "Hongxingyang Cup" 2012 First China・Wuxiang Taihang Cross-Country Challenge was completed over two days. Participating teams had to complete both days of the full course, with the final ranking determined by the lowest cumulative time over the two days. In the end, the Kolumb (Colombia) outdoor team achieved a total time of 4 hours, 32 minutes, 30.9 seconds, earning them third place.
On the first day of the competition, there were six events, including a 14-kilometer cross-country road run, where the Kolumb (Colombia) outdoor team maintained second place. They also competed in a 7-kilometer rafting event on the Zhuozhang River, and during the 24-kilometer mountain bike race, the Kolumb (Colombia) outdoor team led throughout. However, during the gully crossing exchange, a female team member suffered from cramps, causing some delay and allowing the following teams to overtake them.
The second day of the competition featured eight events, ranging from the longest — a 7-kilometer Taihang crossing — to the shortest — a 100-meter unicycle harvest race. At 9:00 AM sharp, the second segment of the nearly 20-kilometer race commenced on schedule. After enduring the first day’s four-hour challenge, all 20 teams and nearly 100 participants remained spirited and fully participated in the day’s eight events, which included crossing Dragon Lake. This was a test of individual determination, a showcase of teamwork, and an embodiment of the spirit of the Taihang Mountains.
"After completing the fourth event, 'Taihang Crossing,' our physical strength was greatly depleted, and by the sixth event, 'Material Transport Relay,' we were almost competing purely on willpower." After the race, team members generally felt that: "In the final few events, the female members faced significant difficulties and had to rely on help from the male members to complete them." This also highlighted the indomitable spirit and competitive drive of the female athletes in outdoor sports, making us believe this is the power of dreams. On the other hand, the comprehensive protection provided by Kolumb (Colombia) outdoor gear served as a solid shield, enabling them to face challenges head-on.
※Photo Highlights of the Competition
The competition site of the "Unicycle Harvest" event
The Kolumb outdoor team won third place in this competition