Local hero Chen Chung-ren takes top honor in style at The North Face 2008 Wulai Challenge

The picturesque city of Wulai in Taiwan provided the ultimate setting for competitors to show what they are made of during The North Face® 2008 Wulai Challenge. More than 100 daring sports lovers joined the action at the 40km Challengers' Race and 33 km Enthusiast’s Race, going through a veritable gauntlet of challenges including cycling, highway running and trail running.

The North Face® 2008 Wulai Challenge is the adventure race sequel to last year’s successful Pinglin Challenge. Traversing the stunning Ha-Peng historic trail, which overlooks the “Amazon River of Taiwan”, the race pushed the limits of 127 contestants, 55 in the Challenger's Race and 72 in the Enthusiast’s Race. Local favourite Chen Chung-ren emerged as winner in 1 hour 48 minutes 42 seconds, with Wu You-jia finishing runner-up in 1 hour 53 minutes 44 seconds, and Hong Kong hero Stone Tsang Siu Keung placing third in one hour 58 minutes 32 seconds. The Enthusiast’s Race, a new category this year, was won by Ceri Lines.

With so many high pedigree runners, the race saw fierce competition. The course featured uphill running that was very challenging for many. Professionals in the Challenger's Race started off proceedings, followed by participants in the Enthusiast’s Race shortly after, and while many were clearly pushing their limits, no one gave up. As they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. The super team of Chen Chung-ren and Wu You-jia only took 20 minutes to get to the top of the hill, and with the following highway and trail running segment relatively easy for them, Chen Chung-ren stormed to the finishing post in style, followed closely by Wu You-jia.

In the ladies' race, Yun Chun-pin stormed in first in 2 hours 41 mins 34 seconds and won the "Best Fighting Spirit" award, which was created to encourage more female participants. Another highlight of the day was seeing recent cancer survivor Lin Fun-chen show her bravery and finish in an admirable 3 hours 14 minutes 29 seconds. All participants and spectators were moved, some to tears, by her spectacular display of bravery. With spirit so strong, she won the "Bravery Award" in recognition of her "Never Stop Exploring" attitude.

Many others also showed this strong sprit. Chen Chung-ren led the race from start to finish, but said the slippery trail running pushed his limits. He added that The North Face® 2008 Wulai Challenge was a highlight of his career, especially with its beautiful scenery, and he can’t wait for the next one. Second runner-up in the Challengers' Race and The North Face® The Greater China Team athlete Stone Tsang said he just loves Taiwan's natural beauty, as well as the challenges it offers for race goers. In the past months, Stone has also finished second in the 250Km Gobi March 2008 and ran The North Face® Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc® for the first time in Europe. With the great attributes offered by The North Face® races, he is keen to compete in the next one.

As a strong supporter of adventure sports, The North Face® is satisfied to see the race completed so successfully. This spirit represents everything we stand for, the passion to help sports enthusiasts never stop exploring and enjoy the pleasures offered by outdoor activities. Together with those who love outdoor sports, we achieve higher goals and reach for the top of our abilities.