2009 Taichung Boulevard International Marathon invites you to race with the High Speed Rail

On Oct. 4, four routes will race on the ZhongZhang Expressway

Words and photos by Taichung City
Government
Translated by Naomi Lai

Many Taiwanese can recall a lively TV commercial featuring a traditional "gambling cup" and marathon runners. This advertisement succeeded in offering a strong reminder about the upcoming annual Super Supau Marathon in Taichung. To make an even stronger impression this year, the Taichung City Government has decided to expand the event into the 2009 Taichung Boulevard International Marathon, which will take runners onto the ZhongZhang Expressway (Rt. 74). This year's marathon, co-sponsored by the Taichung City Government, Vitalon Foods Company and Vitalon Foundation, is an expansion of the 28th Super Supau Marathon. The last international marathon in Taichung was held four years ago, when the Chinese Taipei Road Running Association estimated there were 22,000 participants. This year, they expect a much higher number.

City marathons are a symbol of progress for many international metropolises. The Taipei International Marathon has attracted significant international attention over the past few years. Thus, Taichung--the biggest city in central Taiwan--and its exercise-loving Mayor Jason Hu aim to use this marathon event to get Taichungers up and running. Hu hopes that the city residents will not only join the event, but also act as hosts to introduce their city to other Taiwanese and international participants.

The route planned for this year's marathon starts at Taichung City Hall on MinQuan Road and ends at the Taichung New City Hall, which is different from many cities' circuit-style routes that take runners back to the starting point. Running from the old city hall to new city hall symbolizes moving forward, taking the city into the future and building a better Taichung, according to Chinese Taipei Road Running Association Secretary Mr. Hua-Hung Chen.

articipants will also have the chance to run along blocked-off, traffic-free Route 74 of the ZhongZhang Expressway in what will truly be a runner's dream come true. Running on the expressway will also align participants with the parallel High Speed Rail route. Perhaps the passing HSR trains will help runners pick up their pace and lighten their tired steps. Truly, this unique experience will only be found at the 2009 Taichung Boulevard International Marathon.

Scheduled for October 4, only three weeks before the biennial National Athletic Games, the marathon can be seen as an opening event for the sports meet. Although the National Athletic Games are not open to public participantion, the marathon is for everyone. With four different routes, participants can manage their own speed and abilities to fully enjoy their run around the city. The four routes are a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km), a 10-kilometer run and a five-kilometer run. There are a limit of 1,000 participants for the full marathon, 2,000 applicants for the half marathon and 6,000 applicants for the 10-kilometer run, and all three of these routes are expected to be fully booked. However, there are no limits for the five-kilometer run, which is expected to draw over 10,000 participant applications. This latter run has always been the most interesting event, with babies being pushed in their carriages, owners with their dogs and other participants dressed up in unique costumes. The application deadline is September 4, meaning that those who have not yet applied should hurry.

Since this has expanded into an international marathon, the Chinese Taipei Road Running Association will invite famed runners from around the world to compete, including the "Black Tornadoes" of Africa. African runners are known as the best long-distance runners in the world, participating frequently in international marathons and taking top prizes. For the full marathon, the Vitalon Food Company will provide the satisfying prizes of NT$300,000 for the first-place male runner, NT$150,000 for male second place, NT$100,000 for male third place, NT$200,000 for female first place, NT$100,000 for female second place, and NT$60,000 for female third place.

Other than the full-marathon prizes, there will also be NT$20,000 for first-place male and female runners in the half marathon, and NT$10,000 for the first-place male and female runners on the 100-kilometer route. The large difference between full and half marathon prizes is designed to encourage more top runners to join the longer event.

For more information about the 2009 Taichung Boulevard International Marathon, please visit: www.sportsnet.org.tw

October 4 International Marathon Traffic Regulations

Source: Department of Education, Taichung