Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon offers scenic views and local food

Taiwan''s only island-hopping marathon will kick off on Nov. 1 in Penghu. The 2020 Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon offers participants scenic views of the archipelago while they run. If a break is needed during the race, runners can stop at one of many aid stations serving up local delicacies like lobster and oyster porridge. Registration for the marathon opened July 15.

Runners dart along the coastline while enjoying the beautiful marine view. The marathon gets runners up close to local attractions such as the Penghu Great Bridge and the Erkan historical village. Along the way will be aid stations, offering local Penghu delicacies like lobster, cuttlefish balls, and oyster porridge.

Hsu Tzung-min
Penghu National Scenic Area Administration
I think the biggest highlight is our aid stations. Over the years, our aid stations have always served up local food and Penghu specialties. This year, we added local lobsters. At the end of the race, the top five from each group will have a chance to bring home a big lobster.

The fourth annual 2020 Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon is internationally certified. This year, it will take place on Nov. 1. Runners can participate under several categories including a 42 km full marathon, a 21 km half marathon and a 5 km race. Participants will run across the Xiyu Islet, over the Penghu Great Bridge, onto the Baisha and Zhongtun Islands and end in Penghu Island, the largest island in the archipelago.

Hsu Tzung-min
Penghu National Scenic Area Administration
In addition to the fact that the routes have been certified, we also especially emphasized our scenery. Penghu has great basalt formations. These formations are very beautiful and they are very rare in the world. There is space in planes and in lodgings for the participant''s friends and their supporters. There is plenty of room to travel around.

A market and concerts will be held after the races to draw an end to the event. Registration for the 2020 Penghu marathon opened July 15.