TAIPEI (Taiwan News)—Nearly 1,000 cyclists participated in the Kaohsiung Classic 100-kilometer bicycle marathon on Sunday (Oct. 20). 

The Kaohsiung Sports Development Bureau organized the event to promote cycling and sports tourism in the city and environmental sustainability across Taiwan. The race was divided into three groups, including the full 102-kilometer race, a shorter 38-kilometer ride for health, and a U-bike leisure group, reported LT Sports. 

All three groups began the event at the Kaohsiung National Stadium, with the full marathon taking cyclists through nine Kaohsiung districts, per CNA. The route was designed to showcase some of Kaohsiung’s iconic streets and landscapes. 

The city hopes to use events like the Kaohsiung Classic to promote healthy lifestyles and carbon reduction efforts throughout society. In the near future, the Sports Development Bureau plans to promote cycling clubs and courses at schools and community centers throughout the city. 

Lin Chien-liang (林建良), the director of the Sports Development Bureau, said he hopes the event will become an annual benchmark to showcase the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and healthy living and serve as a model for similar events in the future.