On 28 February 2025, the IMU University main campus and Bukit Jalil Stadium transformed into an arena of excitement, laughter, and collaboration as students and faculty came together for the much-anticipated U-Race 8.0. Held in conjunction with University Day, this Amazing Race-style competition fostered connections between staff and students through thrilling challenges and teamwork.

The event featured eight unique stations spread across the campus and stadium, each presenting its own set of challenges that tested participants’ physical abilities, mental sharpness, and teamwork. Racing against the clock, teams solved puzzles, completed physical tasks, and tackled creative challenges, all while collecting points and striving for the finish line. Bonus tasks added an extra layer of excitement, offering participants the chance to earn additional points and showcase their creativity.

At 8:30 am, U-Race 8.0 kicked off with a warm and enthusiastic welcoming speech by the Chairperson of IMU University Day 2025, A/Prof Dr Lim Chooi Ling. This was followed by a safety briefing and a detailed explanation of the point system that would guide the competition, building anticipation among participants. At exactly 9:00 AM, they were flagged off from Dewan Canselor at IMU University’s main campus, dashing forward on their journey to become the ultimate champions.

First Station

This station tested participants’ knowledge of IMU University’s campus. Teams had to decipher riddles and recognize snippets of images, racing to take group photos at 10 different locations. Once they successfully found all locations, they were handed an envelope containing instructions and a clue for the next station.

Second Station

This station pushed teams’ creativity and building skills to the limit, challenging them to construct a human paper wheel and use it to travel from one end to the other. Once completed, teams made their way to the Bukit Jalil Stadium via the LRT, adding an extra layer of adventure to the race.

Stadium

At the stadium, the energy ramped up even further with four stations designed to test the teams’ physical abilities, endurance, and teamwork. From high-intensity physical challenges to intricate skill-based games, participants had to stay focused and work together to overcome every obstacle.

Finally, teams returned to IMU University to wrap up the race with a thrilling water-based game and a final brain-teasing puzzle challenge.

In the end, Team “The Rising Stars” emerged victorious, completing all challenges with impressive speed and seamless teamwork.

Close on their heels were Team “The Wacky Crew” and Team “Walk n Roll”, securing second and third places, respectively. Their outstanding effort and dedication were recognised with amazing prizes, celebrating not just victory but also creativity, sportsmanship, and collaboration.

As the event wrapped up, participants reflected on the day’s unforgettable experiences. “It was an amazing opportunity to bond with my teammates,” shared one enthusiastic participant. “The challenges were tough but so much fun, and we were so close to winning. I can’t wait for next year’s U-Race!”

With its perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and community spirit, U-Race 8.0 was a resounding success. As everyone looks forward to the next edition, one thing is certain: the memories and connections made during this incredible day will last a lifetime.

Written by Kendra Yeo Su Chin, PS123 & Cheong RuongXun Farrell, ME223