In 2017, the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education invited 22 municipalities in Taiwan to participate in “Sport iTaiwan” local specialty sport voting program. In particular, the coveted “Taiwan Rice Heaven - Tianzhong Marathon” received the “Best Popularity Award”. The announcement press conference was held at the 1F lobby of Taipei Station in the morning of the 27th, and the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education Assistant Director-general Shui-wen Wang presented the award to award-winning municipalities, and Deputy County Magistrate Ming-yu Lin collected the award on behalf of County Magistrate Ming-ku Wei. Deputy County Magistrate Lin extended his gratitude to citizens nationwide for giving voting for the Tianzhong Marathon, as well as over 10,000 participants who have run in the rice barn of Taiwan over the last 5 years to introduce Tianzhong to the public and showcase the hospitality of Changhua citizens.
As the most hospitable countryside marathon in Taiwan, Taiwan Rice Heaven - Tianzhong Marathon engages the services of 6,000 local residents every year to cheer on runners and demonstrate the area’s hospitality and enthusiasm. Nearly 10,000 runners are invited to experience the fragrance of rice and warm hospitality of the local folks via running. Tianzhong volunteers endeavored to create a friendly, welcoming racetrack with their heartfelt care for the land, which in turn has transformed the “Taiwan Rice Heaven - Tianzhong Marathon” into an internationally acclaimed event. Voted as one of the top 3 classic races in Taiwan, this is a highly popular event among domestic and international athletes alike.
Taiwan Rice Heaven - Tianzhong Marathon is held on the second Sunday of November every year, enabling runners to enjoy the sea of golden rice fields as they celebrate an abundant harvest with the farmers through the marathon. From its humble beginnings in 2012, the number of volunteers grew from 100 to nearly 6,000 today, and the number of runners also flourished from just over 4,000 to today’s 15,000. Together, they have generated thriving developments to the local economy, where novel travel experiences are created, such as cycling tour, farming experience, group sports training and international experience group etc.
Continuing the popularity of the Tianzhong Marathon, road-running events will be held in Yuanlin, Ershui, Tianzhong and Lukang over 4 consecutive Sundays in Changhua County, starting from October 29. The county government has lent its full support for Changhua County Marathon Month in an effort to market the city through road running. Everyone is welcome to join the marathon; not only will they be able to enjoy sports by also experience Changhua County’s unique cultural landscape, characteristics, and natural environment.
Information courtesy of Changhua County Government official website.