Taipei Marathon 2026: Essential Guide for Hong Kong Runners

Save

Share 0

Taiwan marathons

【Attraction Tickets】Taipei Beitou Nanfeng Tianyuequan Hot Spring Resort｜Public Bath・White Sulfur Spring Beauty Soup｜Queue on-site

Book tomorrow before 08:00

HKD 153 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Taipei Cookinn DIY | Pineapple Cake, Nougat Biscuit, Bubble Tea Baking Experience

Available 2026-10-21

HKD 244 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Spring City Resort Beitou Taipei - Public Bath・Hot Spring Bathing Voucher (Meal Package Available for Add-on Purchase)

Book today before 18:00

HKD 250 Start

Book now

As one of Asia's most prestigious World Athletics Label Road Races, the Taipei Marathon draws overseas runners from across the globe every December. Offering a scenic tour through the historic streets, urban boulevards, and waterfront parks of Taiwan's vibrant capital, the event combines elite-level race organisation with an unmatched atmosphere.

Whether you are aiming to secure a guaranteed entry via performance standards, test your luck in the general ballot, or sign up for the premium Gold Category package, navigating the entry schedules and logistics is essential for a seamless race trip from Hong Kong.

Race Categories, Quotas, and Fees

The event offers two primary distance disciplines along with a specialised wheelchair category. All competitors must be born in or before 2008 (minimum age 18 years old on race day).

| Full Marathon | 42.195 km | 9,000 | NT$2,200 | 5 hours 30 mins (330 mins) | 06:00 | 06:30 |

| Half Marathon | 21.0975 km | 19,000 | NT$1,600 | 3 hours (180 mins) | 06:30 | 07:00 |

| Half Marathon Wheelchair | 21.0975 km | 30 | Included in regulation | 3 hours (180 mins) | 06:45 | 06:55 |

Both the Full Marathon and Half Marathon start at Taipei City Hall Plaza (市民廣場). The Full Marathon finishes inside the iconic Taipei Municipal Stadium (臺北田徑場), while the Half Marathon finishes on Section 4, Nanking East Road (南京東路四段).

Course Overview

Full Marathon (42.195 km)

* Start Location: Taipei City Hall Plaza (市民廣場)

* Key Landmarks & Roads: Section 4 to 1 of Ren'ai Road ＞ Zhongshan South Road ＞ Xinyi Road ＞ Hangzhou South Road ＞ Aiguo East Road ＞ Aiguo West Road ＞ Section 1 of Zhonghua Road ＞ Section 1 of Zhongxiao West Road ＞ Chongqing South Road ＞ Ketagalan Boulevard ＞ Zhongshan North Road (Sections 1 to 4) ＞ Zhongshan Bridge ＞ Be'an Road ＞ Mingshui Road ＞ Lequn 1st Road ＞ Tiding Boulevard ＞ Huandong Viaduct ＞ Jingmao 1st Road (Turnaround point at 26.8 km).

* Riverside Section: Port East Street ＞ Evacuation Gate No. 1 ＞ Nanhu Left Bank Riverside Park ＞ Chengmei Left Bank Riverside Park ＞ Guanshan Riverside Park ＞ Yingfeng Riverside Park ＞ Exit via Gate No. 6 (Tayou Evacuation Gate).

* Finish Stretch: Tayou Road ＞ Section 5 to 4 of Nanking East Road ＞ Taipei Municipal Stadium (Finish).

Half Marathon (21.0975 km)

* Start Location: Taipei City Hall Plaza (市民廣場)

* Key Route: Section 4 to 1 of Ren'ai Road ＞ Zhongshan South Road ＞ Xinyi Road ＞ Hangzhou South Road (Turnaround after Jinhua Street intersection) ＞ Aiguo East Road ＞ Zhongshan South Road ＞ Zhongshan North Road (Sections 1 to 4) ＞ Zhongshan Bridge ＞ Be'an Road ＞ Mingshui Road ＞ Lequn 1st Road ＞ Tiding Boulevard ＞ Section 6 of Nanking East Road ＞ MacArtur 1st Bridge ＞ Nanking East Road Off-Ramp ＞ Section 5 to 4 of Nanking East Road.

* Finish Location: Section 4, Nanking East Road (Finish, before Xiangshang Road intersection).

Registration Pathways and Important Dates

Depending on your running profile, entry into the Taipei Marathon is processed across distinct time windows. Missing a deadline for payment or registration results in forfeiting the slot.

1. Fast-Track Qualified Runners (Performance Standards)

Runners who have achieved certified finish times between 2025 and 2026 in either AIMS-certified races or World Athletics (WA) Label Road Races are eligible to apply for priority registration.

* Upload Certificate: 22 June (Mon) 16:00 – 26 June (Fri) 14:00

* Approval Notification & Payment Window: 30 June (Tue) 10:00 – 2 July (Thu) 17:00

#### Qualification Time Criteria

| 18–39 | Sub 3:10:00 | Sub 4:00:00 | Sub 1:25:00 | Sub 1:45:00 |

| 40–49 | Sub 3:15:00 | Sub 4:10:00 | Sub 1:30:00 | Sub 1:50:00 |

| 50–59 | Sub 3:20:00 | Sub 4:20:00 | Sub 1:35:00 | Sub 1:55:00 |

| 60+ | Sub 3:40:00 | Sub 4:40:00 | Sub 1:50:00 | Sub 2:10:00 |

2. General Ballot Entry

For non-qualified runners, entry is determined through an automated lottery system. Group registrations are not accepted.

#### Full Marathon Ballot Schedule

* Pre-registration Period: 3 July (Fri) 16:00 – 15 July (Wed) 17:00

* Ballot Draw: 16 July (Thu)

* Results Announcement: 17 July (Fri) 10:00

* Primary Payment Deadline: 17 July (Fri) 10:00 – 21 July (Tue) 17:00

* Waitlist Announcement & Payment: 22 July (Wed) 10:00 – 24 July (Fri) 17:00

#### Half Marathon Ballot Schedule

* Pre-registration Period: 27 July (Mon) 16:00 – 10 August (Mon) 17:00

* Ballot Draw: 11 August (Tue)

* Results Announcement: 12 August (Wed) 10:00

* Primary Payment Deadline: 12 August (Wed) 10:00 – 17 August (Mon) 17:00

* Waitlist Announcement & Payment: 18 August (Tue) 10:00 – 20 August (Thu) 17:00

3. Gold Standard Guaranteed Full Marathon Category

* Price: NT$9,999

* Quota: 1,000 slots (First-come, first-served; no ballot required)

* Registration Window: Opens 22 June (Mon) 17:00 – Closes 20 August (Thu) 17:00 (or until sold out)

* Exclusive Perks: Premium apparel storage hand tote bag, limited-edition functional running cap, character mascot plush keychain, dedicated baggage drop-off vehicle access, and a complimentary official photo package from ALL SPORTS.

* Note: Entrants holding a sub-3:15:00 certificate from 2025–2026 (AIMS or WA Label) can submit proof to `service@sportsnet.org.tw` before 20 August 17:00 for preferred pen seeding.

4. Visually Impaired & Wheelchair Divisions

* Application Window: 22 June (Mon) 16:00 – 29 June (Mon) 17:00

* Visually Impaired: Must register with designated guide runners. Full Marathon runners may use 1 to 4 guide runners (exchanges permitted only at 10 km, 20 km, and 30 km marks). Half Marathon runners may use 1 to 2 guide runners (exchange permitted only at 10 km mark).

* Half Marathon Wheelchair: Applicants must email `service@sportsnet.org.tw` to request registration forms and provide disability documentation. Safety marshals are stationed at the MacArtur 1st Bridge to intervene if control issues arise.

Participant Goods and Size Charts

All registered participants receive official race gear sponsored by adidas. Official apparel sizing changes cannot be accommodated after 31 August 2026, 17:00.

Gear & Finisher Item Allocation

| adidas Race Singlet | Yes | Yes | Yes |

| Timing Chip & Bib Number | Yes | Yes | Yes |

| Digital Race Handbook | Yes | Yes | Yes |

| Finisher Towel | Yes | Yes | Yes |

| Finisher Pack & Refreshments | Yes | Yes | Yes |

| adidas Limited Edition Finisher Tee | Yes | No | Yes |

| Gold Exclusive Gift Package | No | No | Yes |

*Note: Participants may opt out of receiving the race singlet during registration. Taiwan mobile users opting out receive an adidas online store discount code.*

adidas Race Singlet Sizing (Unisex/Gender Sizing)

Men's Singlet

| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |

| Chest Width | 80 cm | 85 cm | 94 cm | 102 cm | 111 cm | 120 cm |

| Garment Length | 63 cm | 65 cm | 67 cm | 69 cm | 71 cm | 73 cm |

Women's Singlet

| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |

| Chest Width | 73 cm | 78 cm | 82 cm | 86 cm | 90 cm | 94 cm |

| Garment Length | 59 cm | 60 cm | 61 cm | 62 cm | 63 cm | 64 cm |

adidas Full Marathon Finisher T-Shirt Sizing

Men's Finisher Tee

| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |

| Chest Width | 80 cm | 85 cm | 94 cm | 102 cm | 111 cm | 120 cm |

| Garment Length | 63 cm | 65 cm | 68 cm | 71 cm | 73 cm | 75 cm |

Women's Finisher Tee

| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |

| Chest Width | 73 cm | 78 cm | 82 cm | 86 cm | 90 cm | 94 cm |

| Garment Length | 55 cm | 57 cm | 59 cm | 61 cm | 63 cm | 64.5 cm |

*(Unfilled sizing choices default automatically to size L. Allow a tolerance of ±2 cm).*

Mandatory Race Pack Collection

There is strictly no race day packet pickup available on-site. Overseas runners visiting from Hong Kong must collect their physical race materials in person or arrange authorization prior to race day.

In-Person Expo Collection

* Location: Marathon Expo – Expo Dome, Taipei Expo Park (臺北市中山區玉門街1號, Flower Expo Yuanshan Park Area)

* Dates & Hours:

* 17 December (Thu) – 18 December (Fri): 13:00 – 20:00

* 19 December (Sat): 11:00 – 18:00

* Requirements: Present your collection notification voucher number (sent via email one week prior) alongside your passport or national identity document.

* Proxy Collection: If designated representatives collect on your behalf, they must present a physical or digital copy of the runner's ID (passport/identity card), sign a receipt, and provide their own contact phone number.

Domestic Postal Delivery Option

Domestic postal delivery within Taiwan is available for a fee (NT$140 main island / NT$190 outer islands) between 10 December and 15 December. Overseas addresses are not supported; international participants must collect in person at the Expo.

Baggage Storage Regulations

Because the start and finish venues differ in setup, strict baggage procedures are enforced to transport equipment to the finish area.

Standard Bag Requirements

Runners must utilize official Chinese Taipei Road Running Association (CTRRA) dual-zippered drop bags (or identical structural dimensions: 63 cm Length x 24 cm Width x 39 cm Height ±5 cm with a transparent card pocket). Standard non-conforming backpacks or tote bags will not be accepted. Official bags can be purchased during pre-race collection or on race morning for NT$299.

Baggage Drop & Pickup Schedule

| Half Marathon & Wheelchair | 1. Songzhi Road (Songgao Rd to Songshou Rd)
2. Songshou Road (City Hall Rd to Songzhi Rd) | 05:00 – 06:30 | 1. Nanking East Road (MRT Taipei Arena Station Exit 2)
2. Dunhua North Road Slow Lane | 08:30 – 10:30 |

*Note: High-value electronics, fragile items, long umbrellas, and fresh food are prohibited in dropped baggage.*

Cut-Off Times and Course Checkpoints

To ensure public roads reopen on schedule, runners failing to cross designated checkpoint gates before cutoff times must step off the course and board the official sweep vehicles.

Full Marathon Checkpoints (330-Minute Limit)

| 1 | Ketagalan Boulevard – Zhongshan South Road (Jingfumen Circle) | 10.0 km | 07:48 |

| 2 | Zhongshan North Road – End of Zhongshan Bridge | 14.1 km | 08:19 |

| 3 | Tiding Boulevard – Huandong Tiding Exit | 20.4 km | 09:09 |

| 4 | Full Marathon Turnaround Point | 26.8 km | 09:99 |

| 5 | Gate No. 6 (Tayou Evacuation Gate) | 38.6 km | 11:31 |

| 6 | Tayou Road – Nanking East Road Section 5 | 40.0 km | 11:42 |

Half Marathon Checkpoints (180-Minute Limit)

| 1 | Zhongshan South Road – Ketagalan Boulevard | 7.1 km | 08:00 |

| 2 | Zhongshan North Road – End of Zhongshan Bridge | 11.1 km | 08:34 |

| 3 | Tiding Boulevard – Beside MacArtur 2nd Bridge Ramp | 17.9 km | 09:32 |

Prize Purse and Record Bonuses

The Taipei Marathon provides equal cash prize structures for male and female runners. World Athletics drug testing fees and national tax laws apply to all payouts.

Open Full Marathon Category (USD)

* 1st Place: USD 90,000 (Bonus to USD 100,000 if course records are broken: Men Sub-2:09:18 / Women Sub-2:25:55)

* 2nd Place: USD 40,000

* 3rd Place: USD 20,000

* 4th Place: USD 10,000

* 5th Place: USD 8,000

* 6th Place: USD 6,000

* 7th Place: USD 4,000

* 8th Place: USD 2,000

* 9th Place: USD 333

* 10th Place: USD 167

Domestic Full Marathon Category (NTD)

Taiwanese domestic runners finishing in the top 10 receive additional cash incentives: 1st Place (NT$100,000), 2nd Place (NT$50,000), 3rd Place (NT$25,000), scaling down to 10th Place (NT$5,000). A national record-breaking bonus of NT$330,000 is sponsored by Fubon Financial for beating national marks (Men: 2:14:35 / Women: 2:32:41).

Half Marathon Category (NTD)

* 1st Place: NT$25,000

* 2nd Place: NT$15,000

* 3rd Place: NT$10,000

Visually Impaired Category (NTD)

* Full Marathon: 1st (NT$8,000), 2nd (NT$5,000), 3rd (NT$2,000)

* Half Marathon: 1st (NT$5,000), 2nd (NT$2,500), 3rd (NT$1,000)

Wheelchair Half Marathon Category (NTD)

* 1st Place: NT$5,000

* 2nd Place: NT$2,500

* 3rd Place: NT$1,000

*Tax Note: Cash prizes exceeding NT$19,999 awarded to Taiwan residents are subject to a 10% withholding tax. All cash prizes awarded to non-resident foreign nationals are subject to a 20% withholding tax regardless of the amount. The top 8 Full Marathon finishers also contribute a 2% deduction toward WA out-of-competition anti-doping funds.*

Key Rules and Disqualifications

To ensure fairness, safety, and smooth event execution, participants must adhere to strict race regulations:

* Timing Chip Attachment: Timing chips are attached to the back of bib numbers. Do not fold or crease chips. Official net times start matching gun start timing per World Athletics Rule 19.24.5.

* Starting Deadline: Runners arriving more than 15 minutes after official gun time will be barred from starting.

* Bib Placement: Bibs must be visibly pinned to the chest. Non-registered runners, pacers without official bibs, and bib swapping are strictly prohibited.

* Prohibited Items on Course: Bicycles, baby strollers, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, and pets (dogs, cats) are completely barred from the race route.

* Political Neutrality: To maintain athletic neutrality, political banners, slogans, clothing, flags, or promotional political activity are strictly forbidden anywhere along the venue and course.

* Commercial Rights: Unauthorised commercial photography or filming intended for commercial resale is forbidden without official license.

Medical Precautions and Event Insurance

The organiser purchases Public Liability Risk Insurance covering accidental bodily injury or third-party property damage directly resulting from facility or operational hazards along the route.

Insurance Coverage Limits

* Individual Accidental Injury: Up to NT$3,000,000

* Aggregate Accident Injury: Up to NT$30,000,000

* Property Damage: Up to NT$2,000,000

* Maximum Policy Limit: NT$34,000,000

Policy Exceptions

Public liability insurance does not cover internal medical conditions or pre-existing health issues, such as cardiac arrest, heatstroke, dehydration, chest tightness, stroke, or personal trips/falls on standard road studs. Runners with histories of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or unexplained dizziness are urged to consult medical professionals prior to registering and secure independent travel/sports insurance.

Practical Tips

* Travel Permits: Hong Kong SAR passport holders must secure their Exit & Entry Permit (網上國臺辦/入臺證) prior to departure. Entry refunds are not issued for failed visa processing after the standard 29 September refund deadline.

* Race Morning Transport: Take the Taipei MRT to Taipei City Hall Station (Line 5 Blue) or Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Line 2 Red) for early access to the assembly area.

* Post-Race Transport: Full Marathon finishers exit via Taipei Municipal Stadium near MRT Taipei Arena Station (Line 3 Green). Half Marathon finishers end along Nanking East Road Section 4, within short walking distance of MRT connections back to central districts.

* Weather Prep: December mornings in Taipei average 15°C–19°C with high humidity and potential light drizzle. Carry a disposable rain poncho for the pre-start waiting corral.