Complete Guide to the Kaohsiung Marathon: Running Culture in a Harbor City

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s industrial powerhouse, but it is also a vibrant sports city. The Kaohsiung International Marathon, held every December, attracts more than 20,000 runners who gather to run along the Love River, Kaohsiung Harbor, and the Cijin coastline, showcasing the city’s unique harbor charm.

Race Basic Information

Route Highlights of the Kaohsiung Marathon

Love River Waterfront Section

Shortly after the start, the Kaohsiung Marathon enters the Love River waterfront. This urban river, once heavily polluted but now completely transformed, reflects the palm trees and lights on both banks in the morning glow—a truly beautiful sight.

The Cijin Ferry Experience

The most unique feature of the Kaohsiung Marathon is the “ferry segment”—full marathon runners must take a ferry across Kaohsiung Harbor to the Cijin Peninsula, then run back from Cijin. This is the only marathon in Taiwan that includes a ferry crossing, and it is the most unforgettable experience for many runners from other cities.

The ferry waiting time is about 3–5 minutes, a good chance to refuel and enjoy the views of Kaohsiung Harbor.

Kaohsiung Harbor Scenic Section

The return leg from Cijin runs along the Kaohsiung Harbor, with cargo ships and cruise liners docked alongside and massive gantry cranes standing in the distance, creating a striking contrast of industrial aesthetics. This is a rare port-industrial landscape in a city marathon.

Race Preparation Guide

Climate Advantage

Kaohsiung’s December climate is the golden condition for marathon running in Taiwan: temperatures between 20–26°C, almost no rain, and low relative humidity—a natural advantage for southern runners. Runners coming down from Taipei should pay attention to temperature adjustment.

Training Recommendations

Key points for the 12-week pre-race training plan:

• Weeks 1–4: Build a base aerobic mileage of 40–50 km per week
• Weeks 5–8: Add speed training (intervals, tempo runs), with long runs extending to 28–32 km
• Weeks 9–12: Tapering period, maintain fitness, and fully taper in the week before the race

Kaohsiung-Specific Challenges

Kaohsiung’s urban sections are mostly wide asphalt roads that reflect a lot of heat. Recommendations:

• Choose running shoes with good breathability
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin (UV is stronger in the south)
• Wear a hat and sunglasses

Kaohsiung Running Culture

Kaohsiung has a vibrant running community. Here are a few well-known local running groups:

• Kaohsiung Running Club: Group runs every Wednesday evening along the Love River
• Triathlon Kaohsiung Team: Multi-sport training combining swimming, cycling, and running
• Cianjhen River Jogging Club: Based along the Cianjhen River waterfront

Kaohsiung’s post-race group meal culture is also distinctive—after the race, runners often gather at the nearby Yancheng Old Street for breakfast, celebrating their finish with beef soup, pork blood soup, and egg pancakes.

Runner Logistics Arrangements

Accommodation Recommendations

• Around Kaohsiung Station: Convenient transportation, easy access to the start
• Sanduo Shopping District: Convenient for shopping and restocking supplies after the race
• Pier-2 Art Center: Artsy style, suitable for traveling with family

Transportation Arrangements

• Zuoying HSR Station is about a 15-minute drive from the start
• Kaohsiung MRT stops at Cultural Center Station
• It is recommended to take public transportation to avoid parking issues

Conclusion

The Kaohsiung Marathon represents more than just a race—it is a microcosm of the city’s transformation. From an industrial port to a sports and tourism city, Kaohsiung is measuring its new identity on foot. Run the Kaohsiung Marathon once, and you will fall in love with this harbor city.

Related Reading

• Kaohsiung Love River and Cijin Loop: Harbor City Coastal Riding and Ferry Island Hopping
• Kenting Marathon: A Running Feast on the Southern Taiwan Coast
• Taiwan Marathon Calendar: 20 Must-Run Races All Year Round
• Kaohsiung Sizihwan to Cijin Harbor Loop: The Most Beautiful Coastal Ride in Southern Taiwan