Text by NCKU Physical Education Office 　Photos credited to NCKU News Center

Group photo on the opening day of the preliminaries (Oct 19)

In celebration of its 95th anniversary, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has organized a series of anniversary sports events through the Physical Education Office. Among them, the highly popular "Mixed Relay Race" kicked off its four-day preliminary round at the Kuang-Fu Campus track on October 19. Running through October 22, the preliminaries have drawn 84 participating teams. Based on timed rankings, the top 24 teams will advance to the semifinals on November 5, with the final 8 competing for ultimate honors in the finals on November 18. On the opening day of the preliminaries (Oct 19), Executive Vice President Yung-Chun Lee attended the event to cheer on the athletes and fired the starter's pistol, joining students and faculty in experiencing the passion and energy of this anniversary athletic celebration.

Executive Vice President Yung-Chun Lee attended the event to cheer on the athletes and fired the starter's pistol

In his opening remarks, Vice President Lee highlighted that the Mixed Relay Race has become a flagship event of the NCKU anniversary celebrations. He shared his deeply moving reaction upon seeing the athletes, eager and fully prepared, step onto the track. Vice President Lee encouraged the participants to stay focused on themselves while paying attention to their teammates to achieve their best performance. He emphasized the importance of trusting both oneself and one's teammates to deliver a strong run, wishing everyone great results and an enjoyable, high-energy race.

Runners sprint at full speed on the track, striving to achieve the best possible results for their teams

Among the 84 competing teams this year, last year's champion—a student-led team titled "Guang Cao Bu Lian Liang Wan Zhe Xian (光操不練 兩萬折現)"—and the runner-up team composed mostly of faculty members, "Dui You Hen Qiang Bu Yong Pa (隊友很強不用怕)", have returned to compete. Their rematch adds exciting anticipation to the event. In addition, an international student team named "The Flash" and various sports-related clubs are participating with great enthusiasm, demonstrating the vibrant diversity and inclusivity of the NCKU campus. Bringing together runners from different departments, colleges, and cultural backgrounds, the race serves as a key event that fosters campus unity as participants work hand in hand toward a shared goal.

Teammates cheer enthusiastically from the sidelines, offering encouragement and support

On the first day of the preliminaries (Oct 19), 22 teams gathered at the Kuang-Fu track. Prior to the race, athletes conducted self-warmups, checked their physical condition, and cheered each other on, creating a lively atmosphere. As the starting gun sounded, runners sprinted off the blocks one after another, pushing their limits to secure top results for their teams. Teammates on the sidelines cheered fervently, shouting encouragement and showcasing deep mutual trust and teamwork.

Runners sprint at full speed on the track, striving to achieve the best possible results for their teams

According to NCKU’s Physical Education Office, the Mixed Relay Race encapsulates three core NCKU traits: teamwork, empathy, and resilience. The competition not only tests speed, endurance, and baton-passing chemistry, but also integrates interdisciplinary collaboration into its rules. Each team consists of 20 runners—10 females and 10 males—with each runner sprinting for 100 meters. Furthermore, team members must cross departments and represent at least three different colleges. By assembling teams, practicing, and competing together, participants build teamwork through coordination and support, exemplifying team spirit that transcends departmental boundaries.

The "95th Anniversary Mixed Relay Race" will award prizes to the top 8 finishing teams. As the competition unfolds, teams will give their all in this test of speed and trust, pushing toward the finals and top honors. NCKU's Physical Education Office warmly invites all faculty, staff, and students to come and cheer on the athletes.

The Mixed Relay Race tests not only speed, endurance, and smooth baton exchanges, but also incorporates cross-disciplinary collaboration into the competition rule