International students take a group photo after finishing the campus marathon recently held and organized by Jiangsu University. [Photo/WeChat account: JU-OEC]

Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province recently held a campus marathon to encourage students to live in a healthy and aspirational way, local media outlets reported.

With the starting pistol firing at 8:30 am, more than 2,600 students, faculty members, and alumni rushed out from the starting line and embarked on their 8 or 16-kilometer journeys.

The activity also featured the participation of many international students, with Husseini Sulemana, a student from Ghana majoring in environmental science and engineering, finishing the grueling 16-km race in second place in the male's category.

The marathon was part of the university's celebrations for its 119th anniversary. It has become a cultural brand of the school and is held annually to promote national fitness across the campus.

It was also part of the marathon league across universities in Jiangsu province, with winners having the opportunity to show off their stamina and strength at the provincial finals in the near future.

Husseini Sulemana, a student from Ghana majoring in environmental science and engineering, finishes in second place in the male's 16-km marathon category. [Photo/WeChat account: JU-OEC]