Hood to Coast is more than running

"We were all very excited to finally join in. Such a race format is a very new experience for us. For five members of the team, this will become a very valuable experience for many years," said Wenchang Tianhe runner Chen Lei.

"I was the first runner of our team to start the challenge, so I was actually under pressure. But I felt the power of the teamwork, as I knew there were four teammates waiting for me at the next interchange point. So that encouraged me to try harder. When I reached the interchange point, I was proud of myself."

The Hood to Coast relay has been staged in Hainan for four consecutive years, and has built up a loyal following of regulars.

"We have participated in the Hainan relay four times already. Each year my team gathers together in Hainan from across the country for the event, which is now an annual party for us," said Xie Chenxiao, who has also participated in the Hood to Coast China relay in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province.

"The Hainan relay is actually very pleasant in terms of temperature and humidity. We also run through many great natural landscapes and idyllic towns of the island. This is also a great cultural experience for us. And of course we can enjoy many local snacks."

The high praise from the runners is testament to the comprehensive work of organizers. As the course of this year's Hainan relay passed through the cities of Wenchang, Qionghai and Wanning, the local governments provided runners with medical workers, AEDs and enough ambulances in case of any emergencies at all interchange points. There was also a 60-person first-responding team and more than 300 volunteers positioned along the course.