TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The 2026 New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon (新北萬金石馬拉松) drew over 12,000 runners from 36 countries on Sunday (March 15), marking Taiwan's first event to earn international gold label and silver responsibility certifications. Organizers staged the race across Wanli, Jinshan, and Shimen districts, three coastal townships in northern New Taipei City. Elite athletes from five countries competed alongside local runners.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) fired the starting gun and noted that registration spots sold out instantly for the second consecutive year. Hou emphasized that "sport knows no boundaries or distances," reflecting the event's inclusive mission. The marathon featured a full 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) course and a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) challenge category, with professional pacers guiding visually impaired runners along the scenic North Coast route.
Organizers designated this year's race "The Inaugural Year of Sports Equality," introducing a non-binary category and adding 500 women-only slots in the challenge group. The New Taipei City Police Department mobilized over 100 officers and volunteers to ensure safety and manage traffic along the North Coast. Police urged road users to plan alternative routes due to extensive road closures throughout the coastal townships.
Authorities implemented traffic controls from 2 a.m. on Sunday (March 15), including a complete ban on crossing the race route from 6 a.m. Officials gradually lifted restrictions from 10:30 a.m., starting from the Shimen District Sports Center turnaround point and adjusting according to runner progress. Police directed traffic at Zhenbei Temple Road to prevent congestion at the Tai 2 and Yutian roads intersection, adding dedicated lanes for left turns toward Yehliu and Yutian. ◼
