The Penghu or Pescadores ("Fisherman") Islands are an archipelago of 90 islands and islets along the Taiwan Straits. Certified as one of "the Most Beautiful Bays in the World" at the world bay congress, Penghu features picturesque scenery with its saturated turquoise waters and white beaches as well as rich humanity and culture built on 400 years of history.
Once a year, the Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon takes place here with runners taking to the roads and bridges that link the main islands. For 2019, the event was held on 3rd November.
At the invitation from the Taiwan Tourism Board, I arrived to experience the race for myself. I had signed up for the half-marathon, and the event certainly went beyond my expectations.
After a fun-filled night at the Penghu International Bay Light Festival loading up on practically every street food and seafood delicacy the island had to offer, along with the hearty gala dinner put on by the lovely organisers, any normal person would have chosen the option of diving back under the warm and cosy sheets of the hotel bed.
However, the athlete inside of me decided it wanted a piece of the marathon action and I soon found my groggy self in my running kit at the Hotel Lobby chowing down on a hearty red bean bun at 5.00 AM while waiting for our shuttle service to arrive.
BEFORE THE RACE
Bu hikaye RUN Singapore dergisinin December 2019/January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye RUN Singapore dergisinin December 2019/January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The Journey To Injury Free Running
How physiotherapists help you stay active, injury-free
Maximizing Potential For Tomorrow
Lim Yao Peng shares his sports and running passion with the next generation.
The Key To Record Breaking Performances?
Running shoes: how science can help you to run faster and more efficiently
Running Makes You Smarter -- Here's How
The science behind how your brain gains as you train.
TIME TO FLY
Hoka One One may still be the new kid on the block, but the sports shoe brand is already showing the way with its innovative engineering.
THE VEGANS ARE COMING
What's fuelling the interest in plant-based eating?
THE HARDER THE STRUGGLE, THE GREATER THE REWARD
In 1981, Rob de Castella was the fastest marathoner in the world. He recounts his rise to the top and tells us about his current project.
BEATING THE HEAT ON YOUR RUNS
Find your PURPOSE this season.
SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS
The journey towards a fitter, stronger and better version of yourself through sport is not always an easy road. Marathoner Ashley Liew, triathlete Ahmad Arif Ibrahim, and trail runner Ong Kian Tiong share with us how their coaches and mentors helped to encourage and motivate them to bring out the best in their sporting abilities. They tell us of their doubts and struggles, and why the presence of an experienced mentor is vital in helping them achieve their best.
AT THE EDGE OF SOUTH AMERICA
Run wild, but safe, at the 2020 Patagonian International Marathon