Central Taiwan’s Beigang Chaotian Temple hosts annual marathon

台灣中部北港朝天宮舉辦年度馬拉松比賽

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Beigang Chaotian Temple “Mother Marathon” kicked off Saturday in Yunlin County’s Beigang Township, drawing more than 10,000 participants for its men’s and women’s races, per CNA.

Now in its third year, the event adopted the theme “Running for Love, Running for Peace,” attracting both athletes and Mazu devotees. Many runners said they joined the race seeking blessings from the sea goddess.

Organizers placed the temple’s Mazu palanquin at the starting line, allowing runners to perform the traditional practice of crawling under it for peace and good fortune. The temple also rolled out its signature red carpet at the race start, symbolizing blessings and a protected path for participants.

Gu Jia-lun (古佳倫) won the men’s full marathon with a time of 2:51:21, while Kang Li-zi (康立姿) took first place in the women’s division in 3:27:46. This year’s top prize was a pure-gold Mazu statue specially consecrated by the temple.

Beigang Chaotian Temple Chair Tsai Yong-de (蔡咏鍀) said the marathon is not only a sports event but also a major religious celebration meant to bestow blessings. He said the temple hopes every participant completes the race safely and carries Mazu’s protection forward in life.