By Rachel Lanning Translated by Uvia Chang
Photos courtesy of Chinese-Taipei Road Running Association

      Running in Taiwan is always an adventure! Serious runners can easily swap stories of dodging traffic, dogs, and pedestrians while trying to run on a crowded sidewalk or on the nonexistent shoulder of a road. They often complain of breathing polluted air, gagging from bus exhaust, and smelling the ever-present incense. And don't forget the heat---only serious runners brave the oppressive humidity in the sweltering summer months.

      Few people would consider Taiwan an ideal place for runners. It's true that most cities in Taiwan are not runner-friendly. I've only gotten lost twice in seven years of running, and both times were in downtown Chaiyi, perhaps the most confusing city I've ever run in. And it's just too hot much of the time to run more than four kilometers at once in Tainan or Kaoshuing.

      But Taipei has potential. If you live in the heart of the city, you'll still have to play Russian Roulette with scooters and buses. But many city parks have nice sidewalks that are often shaded by trees. Those who live outside of the city have more options--if you are close enough to the mountains, you can breathe cleaner air and experience a little peace and quiet. When finding a suitable running route, look for smooth sidewalks or large shoulders on the road. The rule of thumb when running on a road is to stay on the left-hand side.

      It's no secret that running is great exercise. It burns hundreds of calories, keeps your heart healthy, and elevates your mood. So if you'd like to try running in Taiwan, don't give in to the common excuses. You live in Taipei, where even Mayor Ma laces up his running shoes and hits the pavement on a regular basis! And you have no excuse as to where to find the right clothes and shoes. Athletic stores are almost as plentiful as 7-Elevens and quality gear is reasonably priced. If you're concerned about the heat, get up earlier.

      Most runners find inspiration in setting goals. If you haven't run in a race yet, this is a great opportunity to compete against all kinds of runners. There are races all over Taiwan, but the majority of them take place in Taipei. Distances range from three kilometers to 100 kilometers. The major race organizer is the CTRAA (Chinese-Taipei Road Running Association), and they have both Chinese and English websites that list upcoming races and important information.

      Large-scale marathons draw up to 30,000 runners. Some of them travel from different countries, and a few are world-class athletes. Even if you don't run a marathon, you can still compete in a shorter race and be part of the excitement. There's something inspiring about seeing 30,000 people wide awake and raring to run at six in the morning! The next large race is October 17 and features a marathon, half-marathon, 10-kilometer run, and 5-kilometer run.

      If a marathon isn't long enough for you, you can attempt one of the 100-kilometer races or the Soochow University 24-hour race. Be prepared to compete against elite runners who literally run for hours before crossing the finish line, exhausted, but still smiling!

      A running community in Taipei does exist and is growing. If you want to be a part of it, what are you waiting for? Get out there and run!

      For more information: www.sportsnet.org.tw