Taichung's Fazih River and Dongshi Forest Farm: A 15K Long-Run Route Design for Urban Runners

Two Long-Run Terrains for Taichung Runners

Taichung has a large running population, but most people only loop around the track at the athletics field. In fact, Taichung offers two complementary long-run terrains: the urban Fazih River Trail (continuous, flat, no traffic lights) and the suburban Dongshih Forest Farm (slopes, dirt paths, trail running). Combining the two can balance both speed and strength.

Route Comparison

Fazih River: Taichung’s Home Base for Long Runs

The Fazih River Trail extends along the riverbank with smooth pavement and almost no traffic lights, making it one of the few places in Taichung where you can run continuously for over 10 kilometers without interruption. It is recommended to run between 6 and 8 AM, when you can safely execute LSD (Long Slow Distance) or marathon-pace segments.

Dongshih Forest Farm: Adding Elevation

When flat-road training hits a plateau, the dirt paths and approximately 250 meters of elevation gain at Dongshih Forest Farm can make up for strength and stabilizing muscles. Trail running reduces repetitive impact and is a great tool for preventing overuse injuries in urban runners with high weekly mileage.

Terrain Allocation for a 16-Week Marathon Plan

Knowing there are two terrains is not enough—the key is “which one to use during which phase.” Here is a terrain allocation example based on a 16-week full marathon plan:

Principle: The closer to race day, the more you return to the Fazih River, which best matches race-course characteristics (flat, continuous pacing); the base and build phases are when you heavily use Dongshih Forest Farm to build strength and injury resistance. During the taper, avoid trail running entirely to prevent ankle sprains right before the race.

Workout Combination Suggestions

• Weekdays: Tempo runs and easy runs on the Fazih River Trail
• Weekends: Trail long runs at Dongshih Forest Farm to build muscular endurance
• Pre-race: Return to the Fazih River for marathon-pace simulations

Nutrition and Safety

The Fazih River Trail has convenience stores and water points along the way. Dongshih Forest Farm is a managed park, so pay attention to opening hours; the dirt paths become slippery after rain, and trail shoes are recommended.

The biggest problem for urban runners is not a lack of effort, but being too monotonous. When you are willing to leave the athletics track and head to the river or the mountain trails, your body will reward you with fewer injuries and a longer running career.

Related Reading

• Taichung Fengyuan to Dongshih Route: Cycling Route Along the Dajia Riverbed and Natural Scenery
• Taichung Dajia River Basin Routes: Complete Guide to Valley Cycling Natural Scenery Routes
• Taichung Dakeng Trail Area Routes: Cross-Training Routes for Hill Cycling and Hiking
• Taichung Urban Cycling Map: Complete Guide to Commuting and Leisure Bike Routes