Peking University, 14 October, 2022: Between October 8 and 9, 2022, the Department of Physical Education (PE) at Peking University (PKU) held the “Strong Bodies – 2022 Healthy Campus Orientation Run,” which was part of a series of events to help new students adjust to the campus life. The cold weather of Beijing failed to dampen the high spirits of the thousands of freshmen gathered at the Wu-Si Track Field and Weiming Lake. Throughout the years, the activity has become an important rite of passage for incoming students.

At 8 a.m. on October 8, freshmen who signed up for the event gathered at the Wu-Si Track Field. They changed into the official event shirt and started their warm-ups under the lead of teachers from the Department of PE.
 

Students doing warm up

With the bang of the starting gun, the students ran around the Wu-si Track Field, embracing their new university life with a symbolic 2022 metre run.

At around 9am, students continued onward to Weiming Lake for the 3km round-the-lake run. There were 4 activity booths set up around the lake, where students could collect souvenirs.

Students at an activity booth

To make the event more interesting and better marry sport and creativity, the run allowed students to create their own routes. Based on the routes that students later upload, the committee awarded 10 “Best Route” prizes.

Screenshots of running routes: running man holding PKU (left) and an athlete (right)

The students ran under the cold morning breeze, dispelling the autumn chill with their enthusiasm, showing their youthful energy. As the saying goes, “Only in the cold does one know that the pines and cypresses are the last to wither,” the running youth perfectly embodied the spirit that every PKUer should have.


All participants who completed the run within 2 days received a medal for completing the event. The fan-shaped medal forms a full circle when put together with 4 other medals. This design encourages students to pursue an active lifestyle with their peers.

The Orientation Run is the first PE class that all freshmen participate in, and is hence an important sporting event in the PKU calendar. Campus sporting culture plays a unique role in student development. The Department of PE has always believed in using sport to build people up, and the run is testament to that belief. In the race, freshmen demonstrate both resilience and vitality, kicking off this new chapter of their life in a way like no other. 

Written by: Glenda Ho
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)