TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Over 400 people joined the Wangan Half Marathon in Penghu on Sunday (March 31).

The race is part of the Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon races, now in their sixth year. However, 2024 is the first year that the Wangan Half Marathon was organized in the spring to attract tourism in the offseason, reported CNA. 

Runners gathered at 7:30 a.m. at the Green Turtle Conservation Center on Penghu’s Wangan to race around the island. The race was divided into three divisions, a 6-kilometer run and a 10-kilometer run for those after a more leisurely experience, and a standard 21-kilometer half-marathon. 

The weather for the event was sunny and breezy, perfect for runners to enjoy the incredible coastal scenery of Penghu County.

Hong Chih-kuang (洪志光), head of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Penghu Department, was on site to kick off Sunday’s marathon. He said that over the past six years of the Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon, the number of participants has increased every year. 

Hong and local officials are hopeful that the spring Wangan Half Marathon will give runners and casual vacationers another reason to visit Penghu each year. The marathon offers an excellent opportunity for participants to enjoy the benefits of good health, as well as the incredible natural beauty and charm of Penghu.

For those interested in joining future marathons in Penghu County, follow the official Facebook group. For regular notices about marathons across Taiwan, check out the Event Pal website.