Students ran uphill with a panda mascot for a university ceremony.

Footage shows the youngsters holding flags beside the black and white bear character, followed by dozens of incoming freshmen at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.

The event was held annually to welcome new students who trek from the main entrance to the peak of Doi Suthep Mountain, where there was a temple.

It spanned a distance of 14km from the starting point to the finish line, with older students cheering for their younger schoolmates.

Student Noinap said: ‘The atmosphere was intense to welcome the freshmen. Former engineering students joined them.'

Teachers made decorative items and offerings to the Buddha statue housed in the temple.