Taroko International Marathon was held on November 7. 10,000 runners competed on a traffic free Central Cross-Island Highway, soaking up the beautiful early morning Taroko Gorge scenery as they ran. The number of runners was limited to 10,000 and this limit was reached well before the entry deadline. Runners included 289 people from overseas

The organizers brought in an aerobics teacher to conduct the warm up before the start. The race began at 7am, creating the spectacular sight of a long line of runners shaped like a dragon along the road. The race was won by James Meli from Kenya.

This year was the 10th year the marathon has been held and a special 10th anniversary exhibition was held in Taroko Visitor center, showing commemorative T-shirts and other items and displaying striking images with nine themes from the event over the last 10 years to celebrate the occasion. The exhibition was viewed by large number of competitors and family and friends. In addition, the park headquarters invited workshops from the surrounding community to display special products with Taroko tribe characteristics, giving competitors a chance to take home a piece of Taroko tribe culture.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Taroko National Park Headquarters