Chiayi Shuangtan Marathon Elite Race begins, runners from 16 countries compete for a million-dollar prize

The "2026 Chiayi Twin Pools Marathon Elite Race" started today at the newly renovated Chiayi Municipal Track and Field Stadium, attracting 1,622 domestic and foreign runners to gather in Chiayi, including 63 international runners from Taiwan and 15 countries, to compete for the event prize of NT$1.151 million.

Chiayi Mayor Huang Minhui came to the track and field this morning to cheer for domestic and foreign athletes. She said that the Chiayi Twin Pools Marathon Elite Race has been recognized since its inception. Lantan and Renyitan are precious scenic secrets in Chiayi. She hopes that through the event, runners from all over the world can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Twin Pools along the way and feel the fresh air and pleasant climate of Chiayi.

Huang Minhui said that the Shuangtan track has undulating terrain and is extremely challenging. She believes that the 1,622 runners who have gone through today's test are "the elite among the elite."

She said that the Chiayi Municipal Track and Field Stadium was just renovated in October. The city government not only optimized the sports facilities, but also refined the track planning, adjusted the route configuration, and completed the international track certification, so that the runners' results were internationally recognized. Some Kaohsiung runners shared with her, "The Chiayi Twin Pools Marathon has always been the number one in my mind." She thanked the public for their encouragement and affirmation, and looked forward to attracting more international elite runners to compete in Chiayi in the future.

Municipal Education Director Huang Yuancheng said that the international track certification of marathon events must be accurately measured by professional measurers with international qualifications and certified by the International Marathon and Road Running Association (AIMS). Chiayi City will use the Chiayi Municipal Track and Field Stadium as the starting point to complete the international track certification in 2023. With the completion of the track and field renovation this year, the event will return to the track and field to start. There are currently three internationally certified tracks in Jia City, and the event results can be used as an important basis for international elite athletes to participate in large-scale international events.

Huang Yuancheng said that today's event is divided into full marathon men's group, women's group and half marathon men's group and women's group. The total prize money has been increased to NT$1.151 million. This year's event will also continue to apply for the sports sustainability label from the "Asia-Pacific Ultramarathon Alliance". Through professional unit guidance and certification, it will promote environmentally friendly, resource recycling and low-carbon race hosting measures to create an international event with both competitive standards and environmental sustainability value.