TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – China Airlines and the Tourism Administration are sponsoring this year’s San Francisco marathon to promote sports tourism in Taiwan, reports said Thursday.

The July 26-27 event has been described as one of the most challenging athletic competitions in the world, per CNA. Not only is China Airlines the official airline for the event, but Taiwan is also the only official travel destination associated with the marathon.

The aim is to attract runners from across the world to participate in the second edition of the airline’s Starlight Road Race and in the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon in 2026.

The San Francisco Marathon should see more than 30,000 runners for its 5km, 10km, half marathon, full marathon, and ultra races. The course includes some of the Californian city’s most famous sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf.