TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Registration opened Friday (Oct. 17) for the 2026 New Taipei City WJS Marathon (新北市萬金石馬拉松), featuring a groundbreaking "sports equality" theme and non-binary gender category. New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and Chinese Taipei Athletics Association (中華民國田徑協會) president Cheng-Yen Yeh (葉政彥) announced the March 15 event during a press conference. Registration remains open until Oct. 30 for the race that aims to establish new standards in sustainability and inclusivity.
Mayor Hou positioned the marathon as a model for competitive, sustainable, and inclusive athletics, adding 500 exclusive spots for women across full and challenge marathon categories. The event will introduce visually impaired pacers in the challenge marathon group, with Hou pledging personal participation if circumstances permit before leaving office next year. Hou emphasized that sports equality must transcend rhetoric to become meaningful action in competitive athletics.
Sports Department (體育局) head Hung Yu-ling (洪玉玲) announced the marathon will introduce a non-binary gender category, allowing participants to register without competing for records or prizes. The event will feature five running shirt designs inspired by north coast natural beauty, including 300 limited-edition shirts selected through public voting. Hung spoke to Central News Agency (中央社), Taiwan's official news agency, about these inclusive initiatives.
The marathon's emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunities reflects broader efforts to recognize diverse identities in competitive athletics. The March 15 event promises to celebrate both athletic achievement and community spirit through its innovative approach to sports equality. Participants and spectators can anticipate a landmark event that balances competitive excellence with meaningful social progress. ◼