Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che (8th from right) attended the event in person and fired the starting pistol to kick off the race
The 2025 Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon kicked off with high energy in the early hours of March 30 in Guanmiao, Tainan, attracting nearly 7,600 enthusiastic runners—a record-breaking turnout for the event!
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Ta Ya Group, this year’s race not only carries forward the brand’s heritage but also demonstrates the enterprise's commitment to sports development and environmental sustainability. Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che and Ta Ya Group Chairman Shen Shang-hung graced the event to fire the starting pistol, joining runners in celebrating this grand festivity that blends Tainan's local charm, pineapple culture, and the spirit of athleticism.
Mayor Huang Wei-che stated: "The Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon is a highly representative sporting event in Tainan, attracting runners from all over the country every year. This year, we even welcomed participants from Singapore who came specifically for this race. I am delighted to join this grand occasion at such a significant moment as Ta Ya Group’s 70th anniversary. This event not only integrates the local characteristics of Guanmiao pineapples but also drives local tourism and sports development, showcasing the passion and vitality of Tainan."
Shen Shang-hung, Chairman of Ta Ya Group, emphasized: "As Ta Ya marks its 70th year, this marathon symbolizes more than just our corporate spirit; it is a sporting carnival that conveys our commitment to sustainability. We are celebrating this milestone event with environmental actions and innovative designs, hoping that every participant can feel Ta Ya's dedication to society and our vision for the future."
The ultimate refueling station blending local culture: Savor Tainan’s delicacies as you run!
Guanmiao’s delicacies warmly welcome the athletes. The local specialty, Wanglai (Pineapple) Beer, adds a vibrant and unique local flavor to the event
Runners of the Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon raced along Guanmiao’s Wanglai Road, passing through the "168" route—a name symbolizing luck and prosperity. They ascended to the Erliao Sunrise Pavilion to take in panoramic views of the magnificent valley and passed through the Painted Village to experience the charm of local art. Along the way, the "Chien-Sui" (Senior) Cheer Squad provided a unique and spirited cheering experience, fueling runners with the most passionate support.
Known as Taiwan’s "Culinary Capital," Tainan saw its aid stations upgraded even further this year. A feast of classic delicacies was offered, including roasted suckling pig, three-color tofu pudding, pineapple popsicles, Wanglai beer, and freshly sliced pineapples, ensuring runners were as satisfied with the food as they were with the race. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed Guanmiao’s signature braised noodles (Lu-mian), recharging their energy while savoring one of Tainan’s most iconic local flavors.
The event atmosphere was incredibly festive, featuring pineapple-shaped balloon art, pineapple hot air balloon installations, and fun interactive challenges. To add to the excitement, runners had the chance to win an iPhone 16 and various premium prizes in a lucky draw, bringing a delightful surprise to the end of the race!
The 70th Anniversary Commemorative Medal: A testament to the glorious journey of integrating ESG principles.
The Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon actively implemented green sustainability initiatives this year. These actions included replacing paper certificates with digital finishers' certificates, using eco-friendly ties instead of traditional plastic packaging for race jerseys, enforcing strict waste recycling, and providing free shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions. These efforts allow sports and environmental protection to go hand in hand as the event moves toward long-term sustainability.
A highlight of this year’s event was the Ta Ya Group 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Medal. The design incorporates the brand’s iconic copper wire elements and features a rotatable pineapple motif. Hidden within is a miniature bearing necklace, symbolizing Ta Ya’s innovation and heritage in the cable and energy sectors.
The outer ring of the medal radiates like the sun, reflecting the group’s spirit of providing continuous momentum to society. Additionally, the medal features a glow-in-the-dark effect, symbolizing the sustainable development of both corporate and sporting spirits—making it a truly valuable collector's item.
Setting a new milestone—looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
The 2025 Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon has seen a steady increase in registration year by year, with nearly 7,600 runners joining this year’s event with great passion!
The 2025 Ta Ya Wanglai Marathon concluded with great success. Beyond attracting nearly 7,600 participants, the event integrated sports equity, Tainan delicacies, Guanmiao pineapples, and fun lucky draws and interactive booths, all rooted in the philosophy of sustainability, creating a truly unforgettable racing experience. To enhance the runner's journey, the organizers provided car-camping accommodations, free shower facilities, and shuttle bus services, ensuring every athlete enjoyed a high-quality environment throughout the race.
The 2025 event not only created many touching moments but also continued to inject new vitality into Tainan’s sporting culture. Let’s look forward to gathering again next year to take on the next even more exciting challenge!