City News
Date : 2025-03-19 Source : New Taipei City Government
2025 New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon Kicks Off on March 16 – Kenyan Runner Aims to Break Men's Course Record in 2 Hours 4 Minutes
[New Taipei City News] Excitement is building for running enthusiasts! The highly anticipated 2025 New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon is set to take place on March 16. Today (March 14), an event at Xinzhuang Gymnasium introduced international elite runners to the public. New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liou Her-Ran and Chinese Taipei Athletics Association Chairman Yeh Cheng-Yen welcomed the "Black Lightning" athletes to Taiwan. At the press conference, the athletes participated in a popular fluid art activity, adding vibrant colors to the iconic Queen’s Head rock formation, creating a unique memory of their trip.
Deputy Mayor Liou Her-Ran extended greetings on behalf of Mayor Hou to the elite athletes from Kenya, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. He shared his personal experience of running the Wan Jin Shi Marathon almost every year, enjoying the stunning mountain and ocean views while feeling the warmth of the cheering crowds. Wan Jin Shi Marathon is Taiwan’s first Gold Label race and the first to receive a Silver Label from the Council for Responsible Sport for its commitment to sustainability. Liou expressed gratitude to Chairman Yeh for his professional guidance, helping the event progress from Bronze to Silver and now maintaining its Gold Label for three consecutive years. He also thanked him for inviting elite athletes annually. Among the 13 elite runners this year, a standout is a Kenyan athlete with a marathon record of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds—well ahead of the current Wan Jin Shi course record of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds. With the champion’s prize money increasing from $45,000 to $50,000 this year, Liou hopes to award the record-breaking bonus as well.
Liou emphasized that the sports industry is a key focus for New Taipei City. He expressed appreciation to Huang Chieh-Yi, Chairwoman of Chanmeng Exhibition Co., Ltd., for organizing the New Taipei Running Expo, featuring nearly 60 booths offering sports apparel, wearable devices, nutrition, protection gear, and sustainability initiatives. The event also includes lectures on sports science and marathon strategies, ensuring that attendees not only gear up properly but also gain valuable knowledge for the race.
The New Taipei City Sports Bureau highlighted that the Wan Jin Shi Marathon logo features the iconic Queen’s Head, one of the most famous landmarks on Taiwan’s North Coast. To commemorate the event, elite athletes engaged in fluid art, transforming the Queen’s Head with colors representing ocean waves, mountain cliffs, and the vibrant energy of runners and spectators. The uniquely crafted Queen’s Head trophies symbolize their participation and achievements, creating lasting memories of the event.
The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is a must-run race for domestic and international runners, attracting 11,000 participants from 31 countries and regions this year. A special guest competitor is Lee Jih-Tung, chairman of the Tung Tung Food Group and a well-known advocate of road running. Lee, a passionate morning runner, survived a life-threatening rogue wave incident in 2021 and underwent an arduous recovery before resuming his running routine. He recalled that the Wan Jin Shi Marathon was the most unforgettable race of his life, as it was his first race after recovery. However, due to the challenging terrain, he had to withdraw mid-race, making it his only unfinished marathon.
This year's domestic elite field includes top contenders such as Chou Ting-Yin and Chiang Chieh-Wen in the men's category. In the women’s category, 2024 Taipei Standard Chartered Charity Marathon champion Tsai Yun-Hsuan, along with Dong Chia-Chi and Lee Chia-Mei, are expected to deliver strong performances. The current men's course record of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds was set by Kenyan runner Cyrus Kipkemboi Mutai in 2024, while the women's record of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 25 seconds was set by Ethiopian runner Bekelech Gudeta Borecha in 2023. Among this year’s international competitors, Ethiopia’s Gadise Mulu, who clocked 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds at the Ljubljana Marathon in Slovenia last October, is a strong contender in the women’s race. In the men’s race, Kenya’s Kenneth Kipkemoi, who set a personal best of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds at the Eindhoven Marathon in 2023, adds excitement to the competition. With a star-studded lineup, this year’s Wan Jin Shi Marathon promises thrilling performances and potential new course records.
For those unable to attend the race in person, live coverage will be available on TVBS Channel 56, LINE TV, and YouTube starting at 6:00 AM on March 16 (Sunday). After completing Wan Jin Shi in March, let’s continue the excitement for sports by welcoming the first-ever Asia Masters Athletics Championships in May! For more information, visit the Wan Jin Shi Marathon official website and Facebook page.
Deputy Mayor Liou Her-Ran extended greetings on behalf of Mayor Hou to the elite athletes from Kenya, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. He shared his personal experience of running the Wan Jin Shi Marathon almost every year, enjoying the stunning mountain and ocean views while feeling the warmth of the cheering crowds. Wan Jin Shi Marathon is Taiwan’s first Gold Label race and the first to receive a Silver Label from the Council for Responsible Sport for its commitment to sustainability. Liou expressed gratitude to Chairman Yeh for his professional guidance, helping the event progress from Bronze to Silver and now maintaining its Gold Label for three consecutive years. He also thanked him for inviting elite athletes annually. Among the 13 elite runners this year, a standout is a Kenyan athlete with a marathon record of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds—well ahead of the current Wan Jin Shi course record of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds. With the champion’s prize money increasing from $45,000 to $50,000 this year, Liou hopes to award the record-breaking bonus as well.
Liou emphasized that the sports industry is a key focus for New Taipei City. He expressed appreciation to Huang Chieh-Yi, Chairwoman of Chanmeng Exhibition Co., Ltd., for organizing the New Taipei Running Expo, featuring nearly 60 booths offering sports apparel, wearable devices, nutrition, protection gear, and sustainability initiatives. The event also includes lectures on sports science and marathon strategies, ensuring that attendees not only gear up properly but also gain valuable knowledge for the race.
The New Taipei City Sports Bureau highlighted that the Wan Jin Shi Marathon logo features the iconic Queen’s Head, one of the most famous landmarks on Taiwan’s North Coast. To commemorate the event, elite athletes engaged in fluid art, transforming the Queen’s Head with colors representing ocean waves, mountain cliffs, and the vibrant energy of runners and spectators. The uniquely crafted Queen’s Head trophies symbolize their participation and achievements, creating lasting memories of the event.
The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is a must-run race for domestic and international runners, attracting 11,000 participants from 31 countries and regions this year. A special guest competitor is Lee Jih-Tung, chairman of the Tung Tung Food Group and a well-known advocate of road running. Lee, a passionate morning runner, survived a life-threatening rogue wave incident in 2021 and underwent an arduous recovery before resuming his running routine. He recalled that the Wan Jin Shi Marathon was the most unforgettable race of his life, as it was his first race after recovery. However, due to the challenging terrain, he had to withdraw mid-race, making it his only unfinished marathon.
This year's domestic elite field includes top contenders such as Chou Ting-Yin and Chiang Chieh-Wen in the men's category. In the women’s category, 2024 Taipei Standard Chartered Charity Marathon champion Tsai Yun-Hsuan, along with Dong Chia-Chi and Lee Chia-Mei, are expected to deliver strong performances. The current men's course record of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds was set by Kenyan runner Cyrus Kipkemboi Mutai in 2024, while the women's record of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 25 seconds was set by Ethiopian runner Bekelech Gudeta Borecha in 2023. Among this year’s international competitors, Ethiopia’s Gadise Mulu, who clocked 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds at the Ljubljana Marathon in Slovenia last October, is a strong contender in the women’s race. In the men’s race, Kenya’s Kenneth Kipkemoi, who set a personal best of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 52 seconds at the Eindhoven Marathon in 2023, adds excitement to the competition. With a star-studded lineup, this year’s Wan Jin Shi Marathon promises thrilling performances and potential new course records.
For those unable to attend the race in person, live coverage will be available on TVBS Channel 56, LINE TV, and YouTube starting at 6:00 AM on March 16 (Sunday). After completing Wan Jin Shi in March, let’s continue the excitement for sports by welcoming the first-ever Asia Masters Athletics Championships in May! For more information, visit the Wan Jin Shi Marathon official website and Facebook page.
