My First Fubon Taipei Ultramarathon: A Beginner’s 100K Experience

When I told my friends I was signing up for the Fubon Taipei Ultramarathon 100K, their reactions fell into two categories: “Are you crazy?” and “Go for it! I want to come watch you.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into—I just had a vague sense that this was an unavoidable calling in my running career.

Why I Chose the Fubon Taipei Ultramarathon

The Fubon Taipei Ultramarathon has several features that make first-time ultramarathon runners feel at ease:

1. Urban Course: The entire route runs along riverside paths in Taipei City, with well-stocked aid stations
2. Multiple Loops: Each loop is approximately 10 km, so you can drop out nearby if you feel unwell
3. Ample Medical Resources: The density of ambulances and medical stations at urban events is far higher than at mountain trail races
4. Multiple Distance Options: In addition to the 100K, there is also a 50K category, allowing beginners to try a shorter distance first

One Month Before the Race: My Preparation Status

Training Condition

The three months before the race were my highest-intensity training period, with weekly mileage reaching 90–100 km. The core workout was the weekly Saturday “back-to-back long run”: 35 km on Saturday, followed by 20 km on Sunday, training the body to keep moving under accumulated fatigue.

The most unique preparation was several “night run simulations”: since the 100K race would extend into the late night, I deliberately scheduled several long runs starting at 6 PM and continuing until midnight, training my body and mind to adapt to the rhythm of running at night.

Gear Testing

Ultramarathon gear differs significantly from marathon gear, and testing it in advance is crucial:

• Hydration vest (10L): Confirmed the shoulder straps wouldn’t cause chafing and the hydration tube flow was smooth
• Headlamp: Tested beam distance and battery life in dark corners of the park
• Running apparel: Confirmed the insulation layer was sufficient for the nighttime temperature drop
• Spare shoes: Feet may swell during long-distance running, so I packed a pair half a size larger

Race Day

Pre-Race Emotions

At 6 AM, I was queuing in the starting area at Dajia Riverside Park. Over 500 ultramarathon runners, each with their own stories and goals. Standing next to me was a 65-year-old retired teacher who said this was his eighth ultramarathon attempt; on the other side was a 28-year-old female runner who, like me, was running her first ultramarathon.

“Whether you finish or not, starting means you’ve already won.” That was what I silently repeated to myself.

The First 40 Kilometers: Deceptive Ease

The first 40 km felt surprisingly good—easier than I had expected. I kept my pace at 6:30–7:00 per kilometer, steady rhythm, with my heart rate in the aerobic zone of 140–150 bpm. This is exactly the mistake most ultramarathon beginners make—that early sense of ease makes you think you can speed up, not realizing the real test is still ahead.

40–70 Kilometers: The Body’s Honesty

After 40 km, a slight burning sensation began in the soles of my feet (a precursor to blisters), and the fatigue in my thighs gradually became more noticeable. At the 50 km aid station, I stopped to change into my spare shoes, applied blister patches, and used salt tablets and energy gels to replenish electrolytes and sugar.

The 60 km mark was my toughest moment. Physical fatigue and the darkness of night arrived simultaneously, and the voice in my head saying “stop now” grew louder and louder. I pulled out the “reminder card” I had written in advance, listing the hardships of three months of training and the reasons I wanted to complete an ultramarathon. Looking at it, I kept running.

70–100 Kilometers: The True Essence of Ultramarathon

After 70 km, something remarkable happened—my body entered a state of “beyond pain.” The fatigue was still there, but it was no longer an enemy; it had become a companion. I began to notice the shimmer of the Keelung River in the night, the lights of Taipei 101 in the distance, and the tired but still enthusiastic smiles of the volunteers along the route.

For the final 10 kilometers, I stopped counting the distance and simply moved forward, one step at a time.

Finish Time: 14 hours 7 minutes

Reflections After Finishing

When I crossed the finish line, I didn’t feel immediate joy, but rather a deep sense of calm. As if something had fulfilled its purpose during this 14-hour journey.

The most important thing the ultramarathon taught me wasn’t about the limits of the body, but that “when you choose to keep moving forward, your world grows bigger.”

To friends considering their first ultramarathon: go sign up. Don’t wait until you’re “ready,” because that day will never come. Starting is the best preparation.

Related Reading

• My First 100K Ultramarathon: A Complete Record of Registration, Preparation, and Finishing
• Ultramarathon Race Preparation: A Complete Guide to Gear Checklist and Training Cycles for Taiwan’s 100K Races
• Ultramarathon Beginner’s Guide: Strategies for Stepping Up from Marathon to 50K
• Introduction to Ultramarathon: Training Transition from Marathon to 50K/100K