Why the Taipei Marathon Keeps Calling Me Back
Over the past two years, I’ve made a yearly pilgrimage back to Taipei during the winter holidays to run the Taipei Marathon.
It’s no world major, but it’s one of my favorite marathons, and for good reason. It’s fast, flat, World Athletics certified, and easily one of the most organized road races I’ve ever done.
It also consistently falls around the third week of December, when Taiwan is at its coolest—usually in the 50s–60s—which makes for ideal racing conditions.
Written by Trillium Chang
Pre-Race Logistics
Entry is through a lottery, but there are a few ways around it. There’s a guaranteed entry option for around $300, which comes with a goody box that’s honestly over the top. In 2024, it included a full set of warm-up gear, a massive official checked bag (big enough for multiple pairs of shoes and a full change of clothes), and a full stash of electrolytes.
You can pick up your bib at the expo, or for a small fee have it mailed to a local Taiwanese address ahead of time.
The expo itself is efficient and easy to navigate, with a mix of local and international brands and some gear you don’t typically see in the states (who knew carbon-plated sandals were a thing?).
Race Day Logistics
Race morning is about as smooth as it gets. Taipei opens the subway at 5 AM, and it drops you just minutes from the start line. From there, everything is straightforward: clear signage, no chaos, and plenty of volunteers.
Photo credit : Chinese Taipei Road Running Association
Bag drop took almost no time. Porta-potty lines were orderly and moved quickly (which, if you’ve run enough races, you know is not a given).
Course & Elevation
The race starts right at Taipei City Hall, with Taipei 101 towering overhead. From there, the course moves through Ximending (Taipei’s equivalent of Times Square) before heading onto major city streets. These are normally packed but get shut down once a year for the race.
One of the highlights is passing the historic Yuanshan Grand Hotel, with the mountains of Yangmingshan National Park in the background. In the final miles, the course follows the bike path of Tamsui River, with the city skyline in front of you as you loop back towards Taipei 101.
Photo credit : Chinese Taipei Road Running Association
Finish & Post-Race
Like the Eugene Marathon, the race finishes on a track, which also doubles as the bag drop area.
This is where the Taipei Marathon also stands out. Bag pickup was unbelievably efficient. Volunteers spotted me from a distance, and by the time I got to the table, my bag was already waiting. I was changed, in sweats and slides, within 10 minutes of finishing.
There are plenty of affordable hotels nearby, and I was showered and out the door in time for a full post-race feast with friends.
After the Race
One of the best parts of running Taipei is how easy it is to turn it into a longer trip. You can recover in nearby hot springs, or hop on the high-speed rail and be in southern Taiwan within an hour. There, beaches, smaller islands, and ancient cypress forests await.
With direct flights from San Francisco, it’s an easy race to build a bigger trip around. Set in a city ringed by lush mountains, shaped by complex geopolitics, and defined by its food and the warmth of its people, the Taipei Marathon offers more than just a fast race—it stays with you.
Secure your flight with China Airlines and enjoy your Taiwan run-cation! www.china-airlines.com
About the Author
Trillium Chang is a San Francisco-based attorney and avid marathoner who grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. She placed as the second domestic female at the Taipei Marathon in 2024 and 2025, and hopes to return again in 2026.
