On May 11th, Nanjing Audit University hosted an exhilarating marathon on Pukou Campus, celebrating diversity and athleticism as students and alumni from different faculties took part in the event.

Leading the women’s 7.5km race was Victoria, an international student of Master of Auditing Program, who clinched first place with an impressive time of 35:15. Overwhelmed but thrilled, Victoria shared, “Running a marathon demands endurance and mental resilience. The challenging route pushed me to my limits, but the crowd’s energy kept me going. Crossing the finish line as the winner—without even realizing I was leading—was an incredible feeling!” Fellow international students Paulina Shikongo and Fatima Bintah Bah also delivered strong performances, securing 6th and 7th place, respectively.

In the men’s category, Carmona posted the best time among international competitors at 33 minutes, though he narrowly missed the top eight (secured at 26-30 minutes). Reflecting on his race, he said, “I wish I had practiced the route beforehand, but I’m determined to improve next time and break into the top eight!”

Salumu, the outgoing Sports Coordinator, offered advice for future participants: “Success starts with a structured plan—three weekly runs plus strength training. Consistency builds speed, hydration is crucial, and race day is about pacing yourself, not others.” Meanwhile, incoming coordinator Andrew praised the event’s organization, suggesting age-based categories (18-25, 25-35, etc.) to ensure fairer competition given varying energy levels across age groups.

Beyond the competitive races, many students joined a health run, promoting fitness and camaraderie. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with hopes for more events fostering interaction between international and Chinese students.

The NAU Marathon was not just a race—it was a celebration of perseverance, unity, and the vibrant spirit of the university’s global community.