The Tourism Bureau, MOTC will be hosting the “2018 Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Cross-sea Marathon” on 4 Nov 2018 to welcome the "2018 Bay Tourism Year" and to promote "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World – 2018 International Annual Convention in Penghu" event. This marathon features an integrated experience of the most scenic bay race routes, a novel cheerleading team, creative refreshment stations and a series of activities that are inspired by the local community, such as the ocean music festival (runners’ night), to fashion a romantic ambience and charming sightseeing marathon impression, to add a touch of vibrancy to the travel season of this year’s International Penghu Bay Tourism Year.
 
The event's publicity press conference was held today at 11am on 21 June at the Grand Hotel Taipei, and hosted by Hsi-Cong Zhang, the deputy director of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Communications. VIP guests present included the Penghu County Government's Senator, Dong-Lin Hong; Penghu County Council Deputy Speaker, Shuang-Chuan Chen; Former Ambassador to France, Qing-Long Lu; Ambassador-at-large Ji Zheng; Penghu County Travel Association Chairman, Ren-He Chen; Shili Elementary School Principal, Wen-Rui Wang; Grand Hotel Taipei Deputy GM, Yu-Jia Pang; Dayou Food Special Assistant to the Chairman, Yu-Ci Weng; Uni Air Head of Business Department, Chih-Chung Zheng; Far Eastern Air Transport Public Relations Manager, Wen-Ling Chen, and Mandarin Airlines Head of Business Department Yan-Zhi Huang, who turned up to unveil the "2018 Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Cross-sea Marathon." Ambassador-at-large, Ji Zheng, was invited to be the event spokesperson, together with Travel Bureau mascot, Oh Bear, and Penghu National Scenic Administration mascot, Chrysanthemum Island Hulk, to invite runners to participate in the most beautiful bay in the world – the Penghu Cross-sea marathon.
 
"Taiwan's Penghu Bay" is a member of the UNESCO's "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World" NGO. The 14th International Convention will be held in Penghu this year, marking an important milestone for Penghu as it leaps onto the world stage. The first ever “Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Cross-sea Marathon” was held last year and left runners full of praise for the unrivalled scenery and winding coastline of Penghu. This is also the only road race out of all road races in Penghu throughout the entire year to be a one-way race that does not circle back to the starting point, so the scenery does not get repeated along the way. The classic route begins from Siyu Township for an island-hopping, cross-sea experience, passing through Paisha Township and Husi Township, and leading back to the main island. This year, the event will officially apply for the IAAF/AIMS to measure the length of the race route, in order to move towards becoming a high-profile international racing event. The "2018 Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Cross-sea Marathon" will be organized by the Republic of China Marathon Association (CMA). It will be divided into the “Full Marathon Green Sea Turtle Group (42K),” “Half Marathon Sundance group (21K)” and the “Brisk Walking Oriental Skylark Group (5K).” In addition, the "Creative Style Awards" will be handed out to creative participants who dress up according to the themes of “Chrysanthemum Island, Penghu, Low Carbon and LOHAS.” Come showcase your creativity at Penghu!
 
In addition to the main race event, there are a series of exciting warm-up activities, such as "Public Welfare – I Love Penghu. Protect the Ocean and Clean the Beach”, “Party – Night of the Mysterious Superstar,” “Gourmet – Penghu Michelin Food Carnival.” Register for a great value deal that includes: a commemorative vest, commemorative T-shirt, windbreaker jacket, drawstring pocket, canvas bag, stainless steel folding cup, finishing medal, finishing certificate, end of run refreshments and towel, as well as a 100-dollar discount coupon for Penghu tour packages. There are limited places for the exciting Chrysanthemum Island - Penghu Cross-sea Marathon, register now!
 
According to the Penghu National Scenic Administration, all race events this year will be planned to minimize carbon emissions and reduce the use of plastics. This event combines the rich culture of Penghu with delicious local fare, in the hopes that both domestic and international runners and their family members will participate in the cross-sea + island hopping marathon and experience the beauty of Penghu as autumn gives way to winter. It will be a truly worthwhile experience. During the event, members of the public and marathon participants may schedule community experience package tours into their itineraries between running events, as well as choose between various flight + hotel packages offered by travel agencies, to explore and experience the beauty of Penghu.
 
Penghu National Scenic Administration would like to sincerely invite all sports and travel-loving runners to join us at Penghu, the most beautiful bay in the world, on 4 Nov 2018. See you there!
 
For event registration details, please refer to the "2018 Penghu Chrysanthemum Island Cross-sea Marathon" registration website: E-Better registration website: