TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s annual International Sun Moon Lake Swim was held on Sunday, marking the one time each year swimming is permitted in the lake.
Almost 25,000 people gathered for the swim across Sun Moon Lake, per CNA. This year marked the 43rd iteration of Taiwan’s oldest and largest outdoor swimming event, first held in 1983.
This year’s race began at Chaowu Pier and ended at Ita Thao Pier, a distance of approximately three kilometers. Among participants, 361 held foreign nationalities, representing 35 different countries around the world.
Organizers relaxed age requirements this year to allow two swimmers over the age of 75 to join, including former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), reporter UDN. This was Ma’s 12th time completing the swim across Sun Moon Lake, which is one of his annual fitness goals.
Participants this year also included 130 people with disabilities, according to organizers. Speaking at the event, County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) said a new documentary set for release in October will highlight a visually impaired swimmer taking on the challenge.
