Taiwan’s East Coast Marathon: The Coastal Running Scenery of Provincial Highway 11

Taiwan’s east coast is the island’s most undeveloped treasure. Along Provincial Highway 11, stretching southward from Hualien City all the way to Taitung, the azure Pacific lies to your left, while the majesty of the Central Mountain Range rests behind your right shoulder. Running on this road is not just exercise—it is a profound dialogue with nature.

Provincial Highway 11: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastal Highway

Provincial Highway 11 spans approximately 182 kilometers, starting from Hualien City in the north and ending at the Taitung Longitudinal Valley in the south. This highway hugs the Pacific coastline closely and is one of the provincial roads with the highest density of road running events in Taiwan. Every year, multiple road races choose this highway as their course, the most famous of which include:

• Huatung Valley Marathon (every November)
• Taitung Living Lake Road Run (every April)
• Shiyusan Trail Run (partially using Coastal Mountain Range trails)
• Shoufeng Township Coastal Road Run (local event)

Section Analysis: The Running Journey from Hualien to Taitung

Northern Section (Hualien City → Xiulin, 0–20 km)

Starting from Hualien Station, heading north along Provincial Highway 11, you enter the famous Seaside Park after about 5 kilometers. This section has flat pavement, with the Pacific just a few dozen meters away. Morning sunlight rises from the eastern sea, dyeing the entire ocean in golden orange.

Scenic Highlights:

• Jici Beach (one of the clearest reef beaches)
• Yanliao Seaside Park (sunset viewing spot)
• Baqi Lookout (panoramic vantage point over the Pacific)

Middle Section (Xiulin → Fengbin, 20–50 km)

The middle section of Provincial Highway 11 has more undulating terrain, with many winding mountain-side stretches offering spectacular views overlooking the Pacific. The challenge of this section is the continuous short climbs, requiring careful pacing while running.

Shitiping is the most worthwhile scenic stop in this section: regular basalt columnar joints extending into the sea make it one of Taiwan’s most unique geological landscapes.

Southern Section (Fengbin → Taitung, 50–100 km)

The southern section enters the traditional homeland of the Amis people, with slate houses and farmland of multiple tribes appearing alternately along the way. Running through this section carries a special human warmth—tribal residents are accustomed to waving and greeting runners, and sometimes will even proactively offer fruit or water.

Chenggong Township is an important resupply point in the southern section, home to the east coast’s most famous mahi-mahi (fish) cuisine—an excellent refueling choice after completing a long-distance run.

Special Challenges of Running on Provincial Highway 11

Pacific Winds

The east coast is affected year-round by Pacific monsoons, especially the northeast monsoon in autumn and winter, when wind speeds can sometimes reach 8–12 m/s. When running, you need to note:

• Do not over-accelerate on downwind sections, as energy depletes too quickly
• On headwind sections, reduce pace by 1–2 minutes/kilometer and accept the speed loss
• Choose fixed or cinch-style running caps to prevent them from being blown away

Traffic on Provincial Highway 11

Provincial Highway 11 is a major provincial road with considerable traffic. When running, you need to note:

• Run facing oncoming traffic (on the right side in Taiwan)
• Wear highly visible reflective clothing
• Run on the shoulder, avoiding occupying the traffic lane
• Take extra care when passing through tunnels

Planning a Provincial Highway 11 Running Trip

Suggested Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights)

Day 1: Arrive in Hualien, familiarize yourself with the area in the evening, easy 5 km jog
Day 2: Provincial Highway 11 northern section highlight run (Hualien City → Shitiping, approximately 25 km)
Day 3: Provincial Highway 11 southern section scenic run (Chenggong Township → Taitung, approximately 30 km)

Accommodation Recommendations

• Hualien City Center: Convenient transportation, easy access to the starting point
• Jici Homestay: Seaside accommodation; you can run to the beach right after waking up
• Chenggong Fishing Harbor Homestay: Local fishing harbor culture, abundant evening food options

Provincial Highway 11 is a pilgrimage route for Taiwan’s runners. Here, every step is a postcard, and every kilometer is an irreplaceable memory.

Related Reading

• Hualien Coastal Highway Cycling Journal: The Blue Skies and Tribal Charm of Provincial Highway 11
• Taitung Coastal Highway Cycling Trip: The Most Beautiful Riding Scenery on the East Coast
• Huatung Coastal Highway 11: Complete Guide to 180 km of Pacific Riding Companionship
• Kenting Marathon: A Running Feast on Southern Taiwan’s Coastline