Taking On the Kaohsiung Fubon Half Marathon!
The Fubon Marathon was the first marathon event of my life. I only truly took up running after signing on for Challenge Taiwan and starting triathlon training. Once again, it was a friend's warm invitation that got me to join — and I'm so glad I didn't miss it. Throughout the whole event, the atmosphere of running together with everyone was incredibly motivating. In the end, I finished injury-free within my target time. The process of challenging myself not only showed me clear progress, but also brought a huge sense of achievement — as if every step was overtaking the me of yesterday.
Fubon Half Marathon — Pre-Race Preparation
Start regular training at least three months before the race. Typical training includes long slow runs, interval runs, full training runs… and so on. I personally trained 3-4 days a week, 5-10 km each time, with no fixed program — I just went by my mood that day and how tired I was after work. Of course, if you want to break your own PB, you'll definitely need a more structured training plan and diet. Either way, after each run you'll gradually feel yourself improving: smoother breathing, better leg endurance, or reaching your "second wind" faster… and so on.
As for race day, here's a checklist of things to have ready, for your reference. The Fubon Marathon is in January and it's usually cold at the early-morning start, so dress accordingly:
- Race bib
- Running top, running shorts, running shoes, socks
- Arm sleeves
- Energy gels, salt candy ->Important! A must-bring if you want to keep running non-stop — I started taking gels after about 10 km
- Sunglasses (I didn't bring any)
- Running cap (I didn't bring one)
- Lightweight rain poncho ->It wasn't too cold that day, so I skipped it
- Face mask -> If the air is icy, you can wear one at first to help with breathing; I didn't bring one myself
- Small water bottle ->The Fubon Marathon has plenty of aid stations, so I skipped it
Kaohsiung Fubon Marathon — Race Day
On race morning, the MRT starts running as early as 3:30, and most participants take it to the start — so it's absolutely packed from the crack of dawn. At 5:00 a.m. there were still 42K runners stuck at Zuoying Station, unable to squeeze onto a train. So it's best to leave early. Once on site, it's bag drop, topping up on calories, and warming up — arriving an hour early gives you a comfortable cushion of time.
Kaohsiung Fubon Marathon — Half Marathon Route
The race starts on World Games Boulevard outside the National Stadium. I lined up fairly far back, so there was a gap of a few minutes between the starting gun and actually crossing the line — if you're gunning for the podium, get yourself up to the front. It was chilly that morning but not freezing, and my breathing felt smooth. With the crowd at the start, I estimated the main pack was averaging around 6:30 pace, so anyone targeting a faster speed has to weave through the gaps. After about 5 km the field starts to spread out, and you can finally settle into your own rhythm and run comfortably.
One thing worth noting: the route climbs up the Zhonghua Overpass, which is a fairly noticeable uphill. Others, like Jianguo Bridge and Vision Bridge, are just small rises, and overall the course feels very comfortable to run. There are about five aid stations, all offering water, sports drinks, and salt candy. The roast chicken everyone looks forward to only shows up at the aid station roughly 1.5 km before the finish (which makes me wonder — that close to the end, wouldn't you rather just hurry and finish than stop for roast chicken?). I basically just grabbed water and sports drinks at each station, and otherwise took the gels I'd brought, to avoid stopping and breaking my rhythm.
The whole course felt great and I cruised through it smoothly, hitting my goal of finishing within two and a half hours. I'm really happy I took part in this Fubon Marathon. My only small complaint: the route ran about 700 meters long — I started my final push at what I thought was the last kilometer, only to discover there were still 700 meters to go. Then again, that probably only matters to runners chasing a personal best!
Kaohsiung Fubon Marathon — Checking Your Results
Remember to check your results online after the race! This year's finisher medal looks fantastic!
For more information about the Fubon Marathon, check out the Fubon Marathon Facebook page, or head to the Fubon Marathon official website for details. Registration usually opens between August~October each year — keep an eye out and don't miss it!
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