Wan Jin Shi Marathon: The History of Taiwan’s Oldest Marathon

In the landscape of Taiwan’s marathon events, the Wan Jin Shi Marathon (Wanli—Jinshan—Shimen) holds a special historical position. Held along the northern coast of New Taipei City, this race is one of Taiwan’s oldest marathons and a living history that bears witness to the growth of Taiwan’s road-running culture from its infancy to full maturity.

The Origins of the Wan Jin Shi Marathon

The Wan Jin Shi Marathon was first held in the 1990s, when Taiwan’s marathon culture was still in its infancy. The race is named after the three townships along the northern coast—Wanli, Jinshan, and Shimen—and follows Provincial Highway 2, running along the Pacific coastline.

In its early years, the race was modest in scale, with mainly local runners participating. However, as Taiwan’s road-running culture flourished, the Wan Jin Shi Marathon gradually built up its own character and reputation, becoming one of the must-run races for northern Taiwan runners every year.

Course Features: An Epic Along the Northern Coast on Provincial Highway 2

Full Route Overview

Weather Challenges of the Northern Coast

The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is held around March–April each year, when the winds along the northern coast are still strong. The fierce winds brought by the northeast monsoon are a common challenge faced by all runners. Sometimes running against the wind feels like stepping on the brakes, but the downwind stretches are so fast they make you forget your fatigue.

The famous “Shimen Wind Gap”: Shimen Township is renowned for its strong winds—the wind turbines operating year-round are the best evidence of the area’s abundant wind resources. Runners need to be mindful of wind resistance on this section, where energy expenditure increases by 15–20%.

The Evolution of Race Culture

The 1990s: The Pioneering Era

In the early days, the Wan Jin Shi Marathon had almost no commercial sponsorship. Aid stations were voluntarily provided by residents of the villages along the route. Local farmers brought out their own sweet potatoes and pumpkins, fishermen offered fresh seafood, forming the most down-to-earth road-running culture in Taiwan.

The 2000s: The Growth Era

As Taiwan’s marathon culture gradually became more widespread, the number of participants in the Wan Jin Shi Marathon grew from a few hundred to several thousand. The race began to attract international runners, especially from Japan, who appreciated the natural scenery of the northern coast and the warm hospitality of the Taiwanese people.

The 2010s to Present: The Mature Era

The modern Wan Jin Shi Marathon has become a signature event of New Taipei City, attracting over 10,000 runners each year. Aid stations have become more comprehensive, and live music performances and indigenous cultural displays have turned the race into a comprehensive cultural festival.

Local Specialty Aid Station Culture

The most famous aid station culture of the Wan Jin Shi Marathon comes from the local specialties of the northern coast:

• Jinshan sweet potatoes: Jinshan is a renowned sweet potato production area, and freshly baked sweet potatoes are the most unforgettable aid station memory for many runners
• Wanli crab soup: Though not an official aid station offering, local residents sometimes bring out seafood soup to treat runners along the way
• Jinshan Huanggang fish balls: A traditional delicacy enjoyed at Jinshan Old Street after finishing the race
• Sanzhi rural taro: A northern coast specialty and a sweet treat option after finishing

The Significance of Wan Jin Shi to Taiwan’s Road-Running History

The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is more than just a race—it is a microcosm of Taiwan’s road-running culture. On this course that runs along the Pacific coast, we can see the complete trajectory of Taiwan’s running culture evolving from improvised grassroots efforts to full professionalism.

For many runners, Wan Jin Shi is their initiation race—the first time they learn how to maintain pace in the sea breeze, the first time they experience the warmth of crowds cheering them on, and the first time they shed tears of completion at the finish line.

“Running Wan Jin Shi is like coming home. Every time I see that Pacific Ocean, I know I’m running in the right place again.” — Wu Da-ming, a runner who has participated in the Wan Jin Shi Marathon over 15 times

Related Reading

• Wan Jin Shi Marathon: A Complete Guide to the Northern Coast’s Coastal Scenery and Wind Speed Challenges
• Wan Jin Shi Marathon Strategy: Pacing and Aid Stations on the Rolling Coastal Hills
• Taiwan Road Race Map: An Overview of Representative Marathons Across North, Central, South, and East Taiwan
• Wan Jin Shi Marathon Strategy: Handling Elevation Changes and Weather Variables on the Coastal Scenic Route