【New Taipei City, Taiwan】The first Gold Label certified event in Taiwan, the 2024 New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon, is set to officially kick off this Sunday (3/17). Today (3/15), a special welcome event for elite athletes was held before the race, with representatives including New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu He-Ran and Yeh Chen-Yen, Chairman of the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association, inviting international elites and domestic athletes such as Hsieh Chien-Ho to experience Taiwan’s enthusiasm at the New Taipei Runners Expo and engage in cultural exchange through local cultural experiences, together making wishes on painted sky lanterns.

Deputy Mayor Liu He-Ran first expressed gratitude to the Chinese Taipei Athletics Association for their professional assistance in the event. This year, Wan Jin Shi Marathon has invited 12 elite runners from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa, ranked among the top 84 in the world, allowing domestic runners to run alongside both domestic and international elite runners on Taiwan’s most beautiful course, experiencing Wan Jin Shi Marathon’s unique sea breeze and enthusiastic cheering.

Deputy Mayor Liu stated that the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon not only continues to pursue excellence and innovation in the event itself but also hopes to promote local tourism and culture through the event. Sky lanterns are an important cultural symbol of New Taipei City, and today, 6 international elite athletes and domestic long-distance runner Hsieh Chien-Ho were invited to write their aspirations on the lanterns, while also sending best wishes for the upcoming Wan Jin Shi Marathon.

The Sports Department added that Wan Jin Shi is one of the must-attend marathons for runners domestically and internationally each year, attracting 11,000 runners from 26 countries and regions this year. Among the domestic elites are first-time Wan Jin Shi challenger Hsieh Chien-Ho and “Emperor” Chou Ting-Yin, who is also serving as this year’s honorary ambassador.

The men’s course record at the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon was set by MATHEW KIPSAAT from Kenya in 2019 with a time of 2:11:17, while the women’s record was achieved by BEKELECH GUDETA BORECHA from Ethiopia last year with a time of 2:29:25. This year, the invited Gold Label foreign athletes have impressive records. In the women’s category, Ruth CHEBITOK from Kenya set a personal best of 2:21:03 in 2022, and Ethiopian athlete Fozya Jemal AMID recently achieved a best time of 2:21:53 at the Dubai Marathon in January. In the men’s category, Ethiopian athlete ADELADLEW MAMO GEBREYOHANNES holds an excellent record of 2:5:12 seconds, and South Africa’s Stephen MOKOKA set a personal best of 2:6:42 at the Osaka Marathon last year. With these shining achievements, it is hoped that the athletes will maintain their best form and set new records at the Wan Jin Shi Marathon.\

For those unable to attend the event in person, please tune in to TVBS 56, LINE TV, or YouTube channels on Sunday, March 17th, at 6 a.m. for coverage. For more information, please visit the official website and Facebook fan page of the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon.