The 2008 Taroko International Marathon was held on November 1. Kenyan runner Nikodemus K. Malakewn won

Over 10,000 runners took part in the 2008 Taroko International Marathon held on the Central Cross-island Highway, which was subject to traffic controls and was traffic-free, enjoying the early morning beauty of Taroko Gorge close-up. Kenyan runner Nikodemus K. Malakewn won the men’s marathon race in a time of 2 hours 32 minutes and 55 seconds. The women’s race was won by Japan’s Suzuki Jyunko in 2 hours 57 minutes and 52 seconds.

At 6 am on race day a light drizzle began to fall as the runners warmed up. The organizers arranged for an aerobics dancing teacher to lead the warm up. At seven am on the dot, after short speeches by Minister of the Interior Liao Liao-yi and others, the minister fired the starting gun. It took the 6500 runners in the full marathon and half-marathon races about 15 minutes just to pass the starting line. The long line of runners was an impressive sight. The runners were happy and comfortable as they ran in the cool autumn air. The runners encouraged each other as they ran and the atmosphere was happy.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Taroko National Park Headquarters