To actively implement the Ministry of Education’s “Health First” philosophy and respond to the national strategy outlined in the Education Power Development Plan, Sias University held its 2026 Spring Semester “First Run of the Semester” on the afternoon of March 25 at the Rainbow Track in the North Gate Square, marking it as the first lesson in health education for the new term.

Executive Vice President Wu Hua and Vice President Yuan Guanglin attended the event, joined by over 3,000 participants, including university administrators, international faculty, international students, student-athletes, student organization representatives, and faculty and students from residential colleges.

The event, themed “Health First, Keep Running” with the slogan “Run into the New Semester with Health First,” featured three race categories tailored to different fitness levels and needs: an 800-meter U-shaped run, a 2.5-kilometer fun run, and a 5-kilometer mini marathon. The design emphasized both inclusiveness and enjoyment, aiming to energize participants physically and mentally while embedding the “Health First” concept into campus life.

At 2:00 p.m., the event officially began. Six student representatives led a performance of “We Are All Dream Chasers,” igniting enthusiasm across the crowd. A giant national flag was unfurled among the participants, and all attendees chanted the event slogan together, demonstrating strong patriotic भावना and collective unity.

In his remarks, Wu Hua shared three key expectations for students and staff:

First, to make exercise a habit—step out of dormitories, disconnect from screens, and head to the track, using physical activity to boost vitality and safeguard health.

Second, to strengthen willpower through running—embrace perseverance and build resilience to face challenges.

Third, to respond to the call of the times with determination—channel youthful energy into contributing to national goals such as building a strong education system and a healthy society.

Representatives from each residential college then took the stage to deliver their running pledges, expressing determination, unity, and a spirit of striving in the new semester. Yan Lin, a faculty member from the School of Physical Education, led a group warm-up session, further energizing the atmosphere.

As the races began, participants set off with enthusiasm and determination, using movement to awaken their physical and mental energy and continue the tradition of “starting the semester with a run.” The event reflected a vibrant and positive spirit as the university community embraced the challenges of the new term.

The “First Run of the Semester” serves not only as a dynamic practice of health education but also as an effective way to promote fitness awareness among faculty and students. It reinforces the “Health First philosophy and injects vitality and momentum into campus life for the new semester.