The Changhua County Government’s “2025 Changhua Marathon Carnival” continued this morning (16th) with its fourth event, the 2025 Lukang Marathon, which kicked off in high spirits at Lukang Stadium. Nearly 3,800 runners gathered in the historic town, experiencing Lukang’s rich history and warm local culture with every step. County Mayor Wang Hui-Mei, along with Chen Xi-Jiang, Chairman, and Chen Xin-Zhong, Secretary-General, of the Changhua County Er-Lu Running Association, Lukang Township Mayor Hsu Chih-Hung, and several legislators and council members, fired the starting gun. The atmosphere was vibrant, showcasing the passion and dynamism of nationwide participation in sports. 
 
As the fourth event in this year’s marathon carnival, today’s cool weather provided ideal running conditions. Participants were reminded to stay safe and hydrate properly. Local delicacies such as thickened vermicelli soup (麵線糊) and fried mud shrimp (蝦猴) were available at refreshment stations along the racecourse. Sylvia Chao (趙韻嵐) , winner of the Sherbeth International Artisan Gelato Festival in Italy, also offered freshly made gelato for runners to enjoy. The marathon route connected several cultural and scenic landmarks, including Wenwu Temple, Lungshan Temple, the BRAND’s Health Museum, the Taiwan Glass Gallery, and Wind Turbine Avenue, before concluding at Longteng Park in Xiushui Township. Along the way, runners could take in the beauty of local industries and cultural landscapes. The county expressed gratitude to all staff and volunteers for their hard work and encouraged the public to stay active. Changhua hosts multiple marathon events each year, each with its own charm, and everyone is welcome to participate. Best wishes to all runners in achieving new personal records. 
 
Since its debut in 2017, the Lukang Marathon has been regarded as a true classic and the most culturally distinctive race in Taiwan. This year’s event featured several categories: Full Marathon (42K), Half Marathon (21K), Challenge Run (10.8K), and Family Walk (5K). The route highlighted many of Lukang’s iconic attractions, allowing runners to experience the town’s diverse charm, including historic sites and rural scenery, while running. Refreshment stations offered local delicacies such as thickened vermicelli soup and fried mud shrimp, turning the race into a delightful culinary celebration. 
 
This year, the Lukang Marathon collaborated with Japanese partners to launch a limited-edition Kanahei × Lukang stainless-steel chopstick set. Made in Taiwan with 316-grade stainless steel and designed with Lukang motifs, the set symbolizes lasting health and happiness. Finishers received this exclusive gift, along with a Lukang-style lattice window-pattern medal and a limited-edition ceramic trophy. As the “Changhua Marathon Carnival” approaches its finale, the closing event—the 2025 3rd Puyan Shunze Temple Half Marathon (歲次乙巳年順澤宮第三屆冠軍路跑－玄天火行‧謝平安)—will take place on December 14th. Runners from across Taiwan are sincerely invited to return to Changhua and explore the region’s culture and charm through their footsteps.