Many bikes, around 60 students in sportswear and one red bull car. That’s what people passing Sankt Hans Backar on a sunny Saturday could already see from far. The reason: IDRU had finally called for the first ever relay race.

The bravest students of MF had signed up for this day: T1 of Physiotherapy, T1 of Biomedicine and T1,2,3,4 and 7 of Medicine. After the athletes had warmed up under the bright autumn sun, things were getting serious: The first runners of the relay race, all of whom were girls, lined up at the start and a megaphone announced the beginning of the race. Accompanied by loud cheers of teammates and fans, the girls started into the first lap around Sankt Hans Backar. The name says “Backar” for a reason: On their 1.2km route the athletes had to run uphill, which was described as “the worst part of the race” by almost all of the returning and exhausted runners.

The relay race continued for another three girls and four boys per team. Each lap tore greater distances between the competitors. So as the last runners marked by bright orange shirts started into their lap, they were motivated by their teammates for one last time. Finally, after another few minutes of waiting, the first runner turned around the corner straight ahead of the finish line – being welcomed by joyful screams of T4 Medicine supporters. With a time of 38:17 minutes, T4 won the race sovereignly. About twenty seconds later and then one after another the other final athletes of the teams crossed the finish line. Silver and bronze could be secured by Medicine T3 and T7, followed by Biomedicine T1 on place four as well as Medicine T1 and T2 on place five and six. The set was completed by the physiotherapists on place 7.

During the whole race it became obvious that each and everyone had done their very best as after every lap the runner’s were laying on the ground trying to catch their breath – exhausted, but happy nevertheless. However, at the end of race, there was also someone laying on the ground for a different reason: Unfortunately one athlete had injured his ankle during the race. This incident revealed that – though nicely organized – the race was missing two things: A first aid kit and ice to cool. This should maybe be considered for next year’s relay race, so that everyone can enjoy the event even more safely.

At the end of day each of the three winning teams were awarded the prestigious price of 24 cans Red Bull. However, this IDRU event once more proofed that it is much more about team spirit and the fun to sports than the competition itself.