Embracing adventure of a lifetime

The original Hood to Coast Relay was first staged in 1982 and takes place annually in the US state of Oregon in late August, traditionally on the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day weekend.

Its Chinese incarnation debuted in Hebei province last weekend, marking the first time the event has been held outside the US. That was a major step in the race’s evolution, according to organizers.

“The first Hood to Coast happened 36 years ago and we are so excited to be here,” said Felicia Hubber, president and race director of Hood to Coast.

“Hopefully, it will be held in China every year. We know that this is an epic and memorable experience.”

Hubber, a daughter of event founder Bob Foote, added: “I want to say a big thank you from my father. We are so excited that the sport of running is so embraced here in China. We hope that a lot of runners from the United States will come to China to experience Hood to Coast China as well.”

The race was organized by Starz Sports, a company owned by former NBA allstar center Yao Ming.

Yao, now president of the Chinese Basketball Association, addressed participants via video link.

“You are going to face an adventure of 175.8 km,” said Yao. “This requires close teamwork and trust between teammates. This is a heroic pilgrimage for runners. This is one of the greatest relays in the world and the honor of your life. You are going to embrace healthier lives and sincere friendships through the relay.”

Li Lu, general manager of Starz Sports, said increasing demand for extreme runs motivated her to bring the relay to China.

“Since 2015, long-distance running has become more and more popular for Chinese runners, but usually they’ve had to go to other countries to participate,” said Li.

“Hood to Coast is one of the most unique and most famous relays in the world, but Chinese runners could hardly join the party before. Lots of runners in America have been running the relay, which could be considered an annual party, for more than a decade.”