The 2012 TarokoInternational Marathon was held on Nov. 3. Bathing in the beautiful morningglory of the Taroko Gorge, more than 10,000 runners enjoyed the race on the Central Cross-Island Highwayunder the protection of clearance vehicles. Mr. Lee Hong-Yuan, Minister of theInterior, Mr. Yeh Shi-Wen, Director-General of the Construction and PlanningAgency of the Ministry of the Interior (CPAMI), Legislator Wang Ting-Sheng,Hualien County Deputy Mayor Tsai Yun-Huang, and Magistrate of Xiulin TownshipHsu Shu-Yin were present at the event to fire the starter pistol and cheer forthe runners. Kenyarunner Hosea Kipyego Kogey won the championship with a record of two hours 24minutes and 22 seconds. Minister Lee Hong-Yuan stated that the Taroko InternationalMarathon is a thrilling event for international world road runners because itis the only marathon in the world running through a route through a gorge. We expectthat the Taroko Gorge Marathon will not only promote the sport of road running,but will also lead participants to enjoy the beauty of nature. He expressedspecial thanks to the Taroko National Park Headquarters and the Chinese TaipeiRoad Running Association for making this event possible.