On the morning of March 24, the 2024 HZAU Spring Campus Run kicked off as scheduled. Amidst flowers' aroma and magpies' calls, over 2,000 teachers and students gathered at the East Sports Stadium, ready to vie with each other in the exciting and charming journey. Party Secretary of HZAU Gao Chi, Deputy Secretary Wang Congyan and Standing Committee Member Li Xiangdong participated in the event.
The participants start running [Photo/Si Xinran]
At 9 a.m., shortly after a light rain shower, participants were guided by HZAU's aerobics instructors in warm-up stretches and joint exercises to prepare for the run. As soon as Gao Chi fired the starting gun, teachers and students from both the competition and non-competition groups set off one after another, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Gao Chi fires the starting gun [Photo/Yan Huahua]
The bicycle team leads the way through the Cherry Blossom Avenue [Photo/Wang Wenshuo]
Students run through the rapeseed flower fields [Photo/He Yinuo]
I'M COMING [Photo/Fu Xinran]
Students take photos around the tulip bushes (Photo/Han Xinyao)
Departing from the East Sports Stadium, participants made their way through the Cherry Blossom Avenue, where the blossoms shimmered like rosy clouds. They then took in the rippling beauty of the South Lake in its spring splendor, enjoyed fields of rapeseed flowers painting the earth a vibrant yellow as far as the eye could see, and encountered mesmerizing clusters of tulips showcasing their vivid rainbow hues.
Teachers and students all enjoyed themselves – some walking alone, others gathering in groups, chatting and laughing. Some listened to music while appreciating the poetic spring scenery, while others held cameras to capture youthful moments. "This is my first time participating in this event, and I'm surprised by the beautiful sights along the way – no wonder it's called the 'Flower' Agricultural University," said Chen Jiangshan, counselor from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. "Through this activity, I've experienced a more humanistic, open and relaxed campus culture. I also hope to help my students enrich their spiritual world and strengthen their body, allowing them to embrace the youthful vitality and refine their aesthetic taste through sports."
This event also held some interactive games including pitch-pot, shuttlecock kicking, and frisbee throwing in Yuele Yuan. Additionally, there were activities like the "Spring Dance" organized by the ballroom dancing group, the "Depicting Spring" by the calligraphy and painting club, and the "Reciting Spring" by the recitation club, all of which attracted a large number of teachers and students. Skilled pitchers showcased their performance amidst applauses. Deft kickers displayed excellent shuttlecock kicking techniques, with the feathered toys soaring dizzily. Dance lovers swayed to the music in the warm spring air, their movements as delicate as fluttering cherry blossom petals.
Joyful pitch-pot game [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Shuttlecock kicking [Photo/Wu Miao]
Tai chi [Photo/Li Jiayi]
Lion dancing [Photo/Fu Xinran]
The 24 Solar Terms Park was bustling with people. Teachers and students could experience the delight of lion dancing here, as the nimble performers pranced with endearing clumsiness. Other attractions included sandbag throwing, stilt walking and hula hooping. Their laughter was echoing across the field.
Liu Shuwei, a postgraduate student from the College of Plant Science & Technology, was also one of the runners. She said running brought both fatigue and happiness, and it was great fun to run in such a picturesque campus.
After-race group photo [Photo/Li Xueyi]
Finally, participants arrived at the destination, beads of sweat glistening on their radiant faces. Together, they took group photos, capturing the precious moments. The 2024 HZAU Spring Campus Run came to a close.
