Beijing runners have a good time at Illumi Run. Photos: Courtesy of PepsiCo

After the conclusion of its first stage in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in May, gloriously glowing run/rave Illumi Run came to Chaoyang Park in Beijing on July 18, attracting thousands of runners.

The first round of Illumi Run's Chinese tour in Guangzhou drew the participation of thousands of youngsters with its bold combination of healthy exercise, fluorescent colors and vibrant music. The second round in Beijing kept up the tempo.

Illumi Run is different from ordinary running competitions in many ways. Firstly, it has no time limit and no rankings for its runners - in other words, there are absolutely no winners or losers. All that matters is that people are able to experience the fun of being part of the running group.

The second difference is the eye-catchingly colorful fluorescent paint that is daubed on the runners' T-shirts before they start the event. Each runner is also given a bag of paint that they can splash on their friends while making their way to the end of the course.

Beijing's July run was divided into five sections - or, to use their official title - "Glow Zones." The most notable one was PepsiCo's blue section, which guided runners through a huge tunnel in the shape of a Pepsi-Cola can.

Another highlight of the activity was the Illumi Party at the center of the route, which allowed the runners to dance to a live DJ session.

Illumi Run began in 2013 in Singapore, and has since grown in popularity, thanks largely to the unique combination of fun exercise and brightly colored, non-toxic paints that glow in mesmerizing colors under ultraviolet lights. Performances by live DJs help keep the runners excited with upbeat rock music.

The fluorescent paint, Illumi Glow Water, is specially imported from the US. Non-toxic and water-based, it can easily be washed off of skin, but while it's on the runners' bodies it creates a dazzling and beautiful neon spectacle underneath the ultraviolet lights that are placed around the event.

Runners must wear the official Illumi Run tee and runners' bib in order to enter the start area on the event day. To ensure that the runners are safe and comfortable, aid stations could be found along the run route, as well as at the start and end points.

The Illumi Run in China was sponsored by PepsiCo, which is currently promoting its "Live for Now" philosophy, which encourages people to maintain a challenging spirit and ensure that their lives are lived fruitfully and meaningfully. Its next two stages will be held in Shanghai and Shenzhen, Guangdong Province in August and September.