The 4 greatest organized marathons in Taipei Metropolis and New Taipei Metropolis are the Taipei Marathon, Commonplace Chartered Taipei Charity Marathon, Taipei Freeway Marathon, and Wan Jin Shi Marathon. They’re all AIMS-certified (Affiliation of Worldwide Marathons and Distance Races). The Taipei Marathon and Wan Jin Shi Marathon have additionally achieved the Gold Label standing issued by the IAAF (Worldwide Affiliation of Athletics Federations).
Beneath are introductions to the 4 races, their execs and cons, and ideas solely an skilled native runner can present.
Taipei Marathon
- IAAF Gold Label
- Mid-December (third weekend of the month)
- Registration opens across the center of the yr
- Occasion web site
That is Taiwan’s oldest and largest marathon, with about 25,000-30,000 members throughout the marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, and three km enjoyable run classes. The marathon has a lottery with 15,000 spots, a couple of 30-35% probability. It does have a time-based qualification system that enables quicker runners to bypass the lottery: 3 hours and half-hour for males and 4 hours and half-hour for girls (the occasions might change from yr to yr).
Execs:
- Nicely organized with strictly enforced beginning pens primarily based on current private bests.
- Appropriate temperatures within the low-to-mid teen levels Celsius.
- The A-to-B course takes you throughout Taipei Metropolis, passing landmarks akin to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor, Presidential Palace, Yuanshan Grand Lodge, Nationwide Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine, riverside working paths, Taipei Area, and so forth.
Cons:
- There may be all the time an opportunity of rain right here in Taipei, and the course may be very windy in spots, particularly round 20-30 km.
- It’s not a quick course, with three quick however pretty steep climbs.
- It’s the most important marathon, which means it’s going to be crowded. Arriving not less than 90 minutes early on race day is beneficial for guests and first-time marathon runners.
Commonplace Chartered Taipei Charity Marathon
- AIMS-certified
- Mid-January
- Registration sometimes opens round August
- Occasion web site
The A-to-B course is arguably the quickest out of the 4 picks. The race can also be scheduled for the time of yr almost certainly to ship the best racing temperatures. The marathon and half-marathon classes entice about 4,500 and eight,000-5,000 runners, respectively.
Execs
- The beginning is in entrance of the Presidential Palace, a well-liked vacationer landmark.
- It’s largely flat with a number of very quick, punchy climbs. It’s not a foul choice if in case you have PB ambition.
- It’s a medium-sized occasion, so the beginning and end venues are comparatively straightforward to navigate.
Cons
- Time-based beginning pens should not strictly enforced. There can be volunteers holding time objective indicators, however no precise limitations separating runners aiming for various occasions. Luckily, most members are trustworthy with their talents and customarily line up on the appropriate pens.
- A big portion of the course is alongside the riverside parks, which may be windy.
Taipei Freeway Marathon
- AIMS-certified
- Early-March
- Registration sometimes begins within the Fall of the earlier yr.
- Occasion web site
You’ll be working backwards and forwards alongside Taipei’s Zhongshan Freeway. The race provides the marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, and three km distances. The course isn’t flat, with longer uphills and downhills. The whole variety of members is normally below 10,000 runners, with the bulk working the half.
Execs:
- The course is simple, and the floor is well-paved.
- A really distinctive expertise. Not day by day do you get to run on a totally closed freeway.
Cons:
- The bag drop space is positioned within the riverside park. Many first-timers get confused and assume it’s really on the freeway.
- It isn’t a quick course because of the climbs and Spring season temperature, which might rise to twenty+ levels Celsius throughout the race.
Wan Jin Shi Marathon
- IAAF Gold Label
- Mid-March
- Registration sometimes begins within the Fall of the earlier yr.
- Occasion web site
The marathon course stretches throughout three coastal New Taipei Metropolis districts – Wanli, Jinshan, and Shimales – and, henace, the title of the race. It’s the prettiest of the 4 suggestions and but additionally essentially the most difficult.
About 6,000 and 5,000 runners enter the marathon and half-marathon distances, respectively. When you’re staying in Taipei Metropolis, this marathon may not be essentially the most handy to get to, however the scenic route is effectively value it. I strongly suggest reserving lodging within the Wanli District for the night time earlier than the race.
Execs:
- It’s a wonderful alternative to run and take a look at Taiwan’s stunning Northeastern coast.
Cons:
- It’s not a quick course. The mixture of elevation and better early-Spring temperatures make the course very difficult.
Taipei Metropolis and Taiwan as an entire provide many nice races each weekend. Right here’s a full race calendar for those who’re eager to hitch a race throughout your go to.
For extra data and recommendations on working in Taipei Metropolis and New Taipei Metropolis, take a look at these articles:
The three Greatest Mountain Street Marathons in Taipei
Taipei Working Climate Defined