New Taipei marathon draws elite runners from Africa

NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Under challenging weather conditions that Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) called "the toughest in nearly two decades," thousands of runners took to the streets Sunday (March 16) for the prestigious Wan Jin Shi Marathon in New Taipei City (新北市). The internationally recognized event proceeded despite the difficult conditions, showcasing the determination of both organizers and participants.

The New Taipei City Sports Department (新北市體育局) reported a robust turnout of over 11,000 participants for this year's marathon, with an international presence of 374 athletes representing 31 countries. Elite runners from distance-running powerhouses Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya received special invitations, adding to the event's competitive caliber and global significance in the running community.

Among the competitors, last year's domestic champion Zhou Ting-yin (周庭印) returned with hopes of securing back-to-back victories on home soil. Meanwhile, Kenyan elite runner Kenneth Kipkemoi arrived with ambitions to shatter the course record, bringing impressive credentials that include a personal best time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds — a performance that would easily break the current record if replicated on New Taipei's coastal course.

In predawn darkness, Mayor Hou and Yeh Cheng-yen (葉政彥), president of the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association (中華民國田徑協會), presided over the official start, flagging off the full marathon at 6:30 a.m. followed by the 10-kilometer challenge twenty minutes later. During his opening remarks, Mayor Hou highlighted the event's growing environmental initiatives, noting a commitment to reduce the marathon's carbon footprint by 10 percent annually. "We want participants to not only compete but also connect with the stunning natural landscapes of our North Coast during their run," Hou said, emphasizing the delicate balance between hosting a world-class sporting event and environmental stewardship.

The mayor acknowledged the extensive collaboration required to stage the international event, expressing gratitude to a coalition of supporters including the Sports Administration, the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association, corporate sponsors, and hundreds of emergency service personnel. He reserved special praise for the local volunteers and community supporters who lined the course despite the inclement weather, creating an atmosphere that has helped establish the event's reputation on the global marathon circuit.

Since earning the prestigious Gold Label certification from World Athletics (世界田徑總會) in 2023, the Wan Jin Shi Marathon has maintained this elite status for three consecutive years. This continued recognition solidifies its position as Taiwan's highest-ranking internationally certified marathon and places it among an exclusive group of global running events that meet World Athletics' rigorous standards for organization, competitive field, and course quality.