Peking University, May 5, 2015: On April 2, 2015, the weather in Beijing was still a bit chilly after rain, yet in Wu-si Sports Center at PKU, the passion for jogging has been flamed up and drives off the coolness of the spring night.


“Come on!” On eight lane tracks surrounding the soccer field, over two hundred students have already started jogging, and many more are entering into the circular band of joggers. These students are participants of “Night Jogging,” a physical activity held by Department of Physical Education, PKU, since October 2014. Now “Night Jogging” has become a weekly routine on campus: from 21-22:00 pm on every Tuesday and Thursday, music and lights in Wu-si would be put on to create a pleasant atmosphere for jogging; teachers from the Department of Physical Education would accompany the students to provide specific guidance.

Though voluntary, “Night Jogging” has kindled the enthusiasm of many students. Wang Ziqian, student from the  School of Foreign Languages, said that “Night Jogging” meets the need of PKU students. “It is my first try to jog in this activity, yet I have fallen in love with its environment,” she said, “sparing one or two hours every week to jog with music is really a lot of fun. Professional guidance is provided by teachers, not only about jogging, but also sit-ups , long jumps, and so on. For those who lack perseverance in exercising, this activity is really an effective approach to motivation, for joggers are not alone, but rather accompanied by a group of like-minded friends.”

Professor Wu Hao, Deputy Director of the Department of Physical Education as well as the initiator of “Night Jogging,” shared his ideas “In general, the physical quality of PKU students is not satisfactory. Although PE classes are provided, the problems of students’ physical fitness could not be resolved completely. Thus “Night Jogging” is intended to enhance the physical quality of students as a complement to compulsory PE classes,” said Professor Wu. He also pointed out that the gap in  the physical fitness of students between PKU and other international first-class universities still exists  and needs to be narrowed. “It is not an exclusive task for Department of Physical Education, but rather a cooperative work of relevant departments and all the students,” he said.

Now this new exercise activity is drawing in more and more students to take part in it and better their own health.


Reported by: LI Ruiqi

Edited by: XU Karen

Picture source: Department of Physical Education