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 Taipei Metropolis Marathon and Wan Jin Shi Marathon have additionally achieved the Gold Label standing issued by the IAAF (Worldwide Affiliation of Athletics Federations).
Under are introductions to the 4 races, their professionals and cons, and suggestions 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 12 months
- Occasion web site
That is Taiwan’s oldest and largest marathon, with about 25,000-30,000 contributors 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 ladies (the occasions could change from 12 months to 12 months).
Execs:
- Nicely organized with strictly enforced beginning pens based mostly 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 similar to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Corridor, Presidential Palace, Yuanshan Grand Lodge, Nationwide Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine, riverside operating paths, Taipei Area, and many others.
Cons:
- There’s at all times 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 brief however pretty steep climbs.
- It’s the largest marathon, that means it’s going to be crowded. Arriving no less than 90 minutes early on race day is really helpful 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 12 months more than likely to ship the perfect 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 principally flat with a couple of very brief, punchy climbs. It’s not a nasty choice if in case you have PB ambition.
- It’s a medium-sized occasion, so the beginning and end venues are comparatively simple to navigate.
Cons
- Time-based beginning pens should not strictly enforced. There shall be volunteers holding time purpose indicators, however no precise obstacles separating runners aiming for various occasions. Happily, most contributors are sincere with their skills and customarily line up on the right 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 12 months.
- Occasion web site
You’ll be operating 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 entire variety of contributors is normally beneath 10,000 runners, with the bulk operating the half.
Execs:
- The course is simple, and the floor is well-paved.
- A really distinctive expertise. Not day-after-day do you get to run on a totally closed freeway.
Cons:
- The bag drop space is situated within the riverside park. Many first-timers get confused and suppose it’s truly on the freeway.
- It isn’t a quick course because of the climbs and Spring season temperature, which might rise to twenty+ levels Celsius through the race.
Wan Jin Shi Marathon
- IAAF Gold Label
- Mid-March
- Registration sometimes begins within the Fall of the earlier 12 months.
- Occasion web site
The marathon course stretches throughout three coastal New Taipei Metropolis districts – Wanli, Jinshan, and Shimales – and, henace, the identify of the race. It’s the prettiest of the 4 suggestions and but additionally probably the most difficult.
About 6,000 and 5,000 runners enter the marathon and half-marathon distances, respectively. In the event you’re staying in Taipei Metropolis, this marathon won’t be probably the most handy to get to, however the scenic route is properly price 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 lovely 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 a complete supply many nice races each weekend. Right here’s a full race calendar should you’re eager to hitch a race throughout your go to.
For extra info and tips about operating in Taipei Metropolis and New Taipei Metropolis, try these articles:
The three Greatest Mountain Street Marathons in Taipei
Taipei Operating Climate Defined