2025 Soochow International 24-Hour Race Report

The 22nd Soochow International 24-Hour Race kicked off at 9:00 a.m. on November 29. Initiated by Mr. Frank Kuo, who was then a professor in the Department of Computer Science at Soochow University and is now the Asia & Oceania representative of the IAU, this race has been held since 1999. It is one of the most historic races of the world and the only 24-hour ultramarathon hosted by a university.

As an invitational race, only 13 top international athletes and 20 elite domestic runners were invited to compete this year. Runners in the 24-hour race were assigned to Lane 1 or Lane 2 based on their performance levels; results for those in Lane 2 were measured according to the actual distance of that lane. Relay teams made up of alumni and citizen participants occupied the outer lanes, joining the event while witnessing the incredible endurance of these elite athletes. Traffic cones and ropes separated the lanes for 24-hour runners and relay teams, with referees stationed at all four corners of the campus track to ensure the ultramarathoners were not disturbed.

The race started on a weekend morning under high temperatures, reaching over 30°C around noon before cooling to around 13°C by nightfall. This dramatic temperature fluctuation presented a significant challenge, causing about one-third of the runners to suffer from dehydration by midday, while few withdrew at night due to hypothermia. Despite these difficulties, the vast majority of runners demonstrated unwavering ultramarathon spirit, resulting in seven athletes meeting IAU international standard performance levels, thereby qualifying the event for the IAU Gold Label designation. Top three runners and the results  above IAU international level were awarded Euro 1000 as prize money.

Many athletes had not fully recovered from the intense World Championship held in October, yet former women's world record holder Miho Nakata and Spanish runner Ivan Lopez took the lead from the beginning and maintained it through the end. Domestic athletes also showed improvement, with male runner Chia-Chun Chang and female runner Hsia-Chin Yeh coming very close to the international standards.

(The volunteer students cheer the runners through the race)

(Dr. Zang, the President of Soochow University, male winner Mr. Lopez from Spain and female winner Miss. Nakata from Japan)

Top Three Men’s Results

Top Three Women’s Results

Report by 

Frank Kuo

Asia & Oceania Representative