Glow Night Run Ignites the Opening Fervor of the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports

As night falls, fluorescent lights glitter. As one of the pre-heating cultural activities for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports, the glow night run kicked off at 19:00 on the evening of October 10. The 6.6-kilometre course runs between the Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel and the Ancient Water City.

Beneath the night sky, runners wind through wooded areas amid charming scenery. The route links the night-time vistas of Dongchang Lake and the Ancient Water City. It not only delivers a satisfying night-running experience for participants, but also allows overseas athletes from afar to immerse themselves in Liaocheng’s distinctive charm of “city and lake in harmony”. More than 700 runners took part in the activity, including over 60 competitors of the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports. After the run, many intellectual-sport athletes expressed great fondness for the glow night run. They hoped that more such fun-filled cultural activities would be held in subsequent sessions for participants to fully experience the appeal of Liaocheng.

The glow night run is only one part of the supporting cultural-experience activities of this championship. The organising committee has also prepared a wealth of activities, including check-in tours at the Ancient Water City and the Linqing Dongwanyuan Food Carnival. Amid intense intellectual competitions, athletes may wander through the ancient city to savour traditional Chinese culture or visit the food carnival to taste the distinctive local flavours of Liaocheng. While unwinding, they get to appreciate the cultural heritage of this water city. This series of cultural and sports activities will further boost cultural-tourism consumption in Liaocheng and promote the integrated development of local commerce and the sports industry.

October 11 marks the opening day of the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports. We will keep releasing stunning event photos and short videos. Stay tuned for all updates from the event!