Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

With the sound of the starting pistol trigger pulled by Taipei City Mayor Ko, Wen-Je and event ambassador Lu, Yen-Hsun, Taipei Marathon officially kicked off at the Citizen Square in front of Taipei City Government in the early morning. “Although the number of confirmed cases is well under control, it is our responsibility to continue to keep COVID-19 front of mind and comply with public health direction. It has not been an easy year but remember that sports and exercises help with stress relief. Taipei Marathon organizers are honored and happy to see runners crossing the finish line, symbolizing turning onto a new chapter of life.”, said Mayor Ko.

Taipei Marathon is the only marathon in Taiwan that is certified with an Elite Label by the World Athletics (WA). To meet the requirements of WA label race, the organizers made an all-out effort by inviting 12 top elite runners to join the race in Taiwan. Not only were they responsible to provide a 14+7 quarantine and self-health management hotel stay for each of them, multiple entry, exit, and pre-race medical checks were also executed properly to ensure safety and that they were fit for the race.

Demeke Kasaw Biksegn from Ethiopia crowned champion for full marathon male group with a finish time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 42 seconds. Additionally, Ethiopian runner, Alemtsehay Asefa Kasegn, won 1st place in full marathon female group with a finish time of 2 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds. On the other hand, Taiwanese female runner, Tsao, Chun-Yu, met the entry criteria for 2022 Asian Games of 2 hours 35 minutes, which will be celebrated in Hangzhou.  She finished with 2 hours 33 minutes and 51 seconds, winning 1st place in today’s ranking for women’s full marathon in the domestic group.

Chou, Ting-Yin broke his personal best. According to him, he is especially thankful and happy to have joined such a big race despite various restrictions due to the pandemic. In addition to the beautiful weather today, the changes in the race route were also a big help. He was able to focus on his steps. It felt like running in Japan. 

All-time 1st place winner Tsao, Chun-Yu also talked about her performance this year.  She said, “I started slow and was a bit conservative in the beginning based on my experience from last year’s race. Although I did not break my personal best record, but to have met the requirement for 2022 Asian Games, I am very happy.” 

ISO14067 carbon footprint verification to call for environmental sustainability.
Shortly after the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) last month, Taipei City Government also announced its plan for the 2050 Net Zero Carbon Emission. Taipei City will be advocating the importance of reducing carbon emission in order to achieve the goal of reducing it by 30% in 2030 compared to that of 2005, and eventually, reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  While applying to become the first ever city marathon that holds an ISO-14067 certificate, Taipei Marathon took the lead in taking an action by requesting BSI to conduct the carbon footprint verification for the race event through tracing the hardware equipment, display decorations and materials (compositions), amount, weight, transportation method, and distance used in the event. The carbon emissions recorded by BSI will be used as a reference for future management.

Tennis star & event ambassador Lu, Yen-Hsun cheered for his brother Lu, Wei-Ju.
Lu, Yen-Hsun, five-time tennis player at the Olympic games announced his retirement this year after the Tokyo Olympics. As an ambassador for the Taipei Marathon, he inaugurated the event together with Taipei City Mayor Ko, Wen-Je. Lu plans to run the half marathon next year. He said excitedly, “It’ll be a fun experience to see how it feels like running 21K.”

Continuation of improving event services with high standards.
Part of the race route had been optimized compared to the previous years. The curved and narrow sections of the riverside park were adjusted to reduce physical exertion and speed increase, so that the runners could head towards the finish line with ease. 
There was also a slight change in the finish line area where there was a prolonged distance for all finishers to enjoy the deserving sounds of the applause and crowd cheering. Live broadcast cameras were set up to capture the runners reaching the finish line and projected onto the big screens on the sides of Taipei Stadium. Floor sections in the audiences’ area were also available to sign-up before the event day for close family and friends to cheer for their loved ones.
Hot noodle stands were also set up at the venue available for finishers to enjoy and energize for free on a cold day. In addition, runners in the full marathon category received a limited-edition windbreaker jacket and nutritional lunch boxes designed specifically for the runners.
Despite the spreading of the pandemic all over the world, last year’s Taipei Marathon was successfully held with high standard epidemic prevention measures. According to the report by World Athletics (WA), 2020 Taipei Marathon was the world’s largest mass sports event since the pandemic started. In compliance with the pandemic prevention protocols, all entrances and exits of the site were equipped with infrared thermometers, handheld forehead thermometer and antibacterial cleaning sprays for the public to use. At the same time, 30,000 medical masks were prepared at the finish line, allowing each finisher to put on a new mask when the race was over.

The renowned event services are achieved with the help of all supporters.
2021 Taipei Marathon has attracted many enterprises in becoming the biggest supporters of the runners. Our appreciation extends to all the sponsors who have always supported Taipei Marathon for all these years, including Fubon Financial Holdings, adidas, HERBALIFE, CITIZEN, FRESH DELICACY COMPANY LIMITED, Songshan Ciyou Temple, Taiwan Mobile, Fubon Insurance, Marathon Expo, PEUGEOT ,AfterShokz, AROMASE, Synmosa, EVA AIR, ACTife, Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation, All Sports community, BRAVELOG, maobao, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., dyaco, VITALON FOODS COMPANY, GIGIJING, Colgate, Non-Stop_Running Podcasts, and many more icon enterprises from various fields.

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