China’s Hyrox challenger race BTWE draws nearly 5,000 to its debut

From June 20 to 21, the Hunan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha hosted the inaugural edition of a new hybrid fitness competition. Nearly 5,000 participants and spectators attended the first event staged by betterWE, or BTWE, a homegrown Chinese fitness racing IP. BTWE was founded by Sam Hui, former head coach of Hyrox China. Years spent inside international hybrid fitness competitions gave Hui a deep understanding of how established global race formats operate — and of the limits of transplanting overseas models directly into China. Competition design, cultural expression, participant experience and community building do not always align with the needs or tastes of Chinese fitness consumers. In response, BTWE developed its own modular “(1+2) × 4” race format. Competitors complete four hybrid fitness modules, each comprising an 800-meter run, one cardiovascular exercise and one strength-based movement. The event offered men’s and women’s individual categories, doubles and four-person relays, while the elite division carried a total prize pool of 350,000 RMB ($51,700). This spread of categories preserved a professional, competitive edge while lowering the barrier to entry for recreational athletes across different fitness levels. Organizers bill BTWE as China’s first independently developed hybrid fitness racing IP, and the event sought to build a distinctly local identity rather than replicate an overseas formula. Traditional Chinese aesthetics ran through the event’s visual language and spatial design, while competition, tourism and social connection formed the three pillars of the experience. Competitive stakes — professional-level challenges and prize money — reinforced the event’s credibility. A tourism component extended the race into city exploration and local food, turning participation into a deeper encounter with Changsha, and community initiatives gave like-minded participants ways to connect both inside and outside the venue. Together, these elements moved BTWE beyond the conventional “race and leave” model, positioning the event as a platform linking urban culture, fitness communities and a new generation of experience-driven consumers. Brand updates Descente opens Blanc store at Shanghai IAPM Descente opened its new Blanc store at Shanghai’s IAPM mall on July 16. The name derives from the French for “white” and “blank,” reflecting the store’s restrained, minimalist design language. Continuing the spatial concept developed by architect Jo Nagasaka, the interior is dominated by white, gray and natural wood tones, pairing a minimalist aesthetic with an adjustable modular shelving system that keeps attention on the products themselves. 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Built around the theme “Mountain Views at First Sight,” the release comes in three color palettes: Light Mountain, Layered Mountain and Pure Mountain. Mesh panels combine with interwoven nylon cords on the upper, finished with metal triangular fasteners and webbing loops, while the midsole uses Piumax foam technology and the heel height has been ergonomically optimized for comfort. Compared with the previous generation, the forefoot is narrower, creating a cleaner silhouette that pairs outdoor utility with urban styling. Peak Performance partners with Ruohan Wang on a limited-edition collection Peak Performance partnered with Berlin-based Chinese artist Ruohan Wang on “The Wind Catcher,” a limited-edition spring/summer 2026 capsule released May 28. Centered on the idea of catching the wind, the collection pairs Scandinavian outdoor design with Wang's graphic art rooted in Chinese visual culture, applied across a wind jacket, two-in-one shorts, midlayers and accessories.

China’s Hyrox challenger race BTWE draws nearly 5,000 to its debut

How Bottega Veneta weaved China’s forever it bag

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China’s Hyrox challenger race BTWE draws nearly 5,000 to its debut

How Bottega Veneta weaved China’s forever it bag