Contact: Chen Ching-Chu, News Section
Telephone: 037-559828
Publication Date: 12:53, February 28, 2026
The 2026 Dahu Strawberry Cultural Carnival Marathon kicked off early on the morning of February 28 after the starting horn was sounded by Miaoli County Deputy Magistrate Chiu Li-Li, Dahu Township Mayor Huang Hui-Chin, and leaders of the Dahu Area Farmers’ Association. More than 3,600 runners participated in the event, competing in the full marathon, half marathon, fitness run, and leisure run, with each group starting at 20-minute intervals. Deputy Magistrate Chiu welcomed running enthusiasts from across Taiwan, offshore islands, and overseas, greeting runners at the starting line and offering encouragement with high-fives. She also presented runners traveling from afar with the popular Year of the Horse lucky bags from the County Magistrate and distributed pacifiers from Gongtian Temple to accompanying infants.
The Dahu Strawberry Cultural Carnival Marathon has been held annually since 2014 and is now in its 13th year. With guidance from the Ministry of Sports, the Miaoli County Government, organizers, including the Dahu Area Farmers’ Association and the Taiwan Triathlon Association, and strong support from co-organizers such as the Miaoli County Police Bureau, Miaoli County Farmers’ Association, township offices, representative councils, and local health centers, the event has continued to grow in scale and popularity among running enthusiasts.
This year’s race featured four categories: the full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), fitness run (11 km), and leisure run (5 km). The fitness run attracted the largest number of participants with 1,494 runners, followed by 867 participants in the half marathon, while the leisure run and full marathon drew 708 and 593 runners, respectively. In total, 3,662 runners officially registered for the event, with additional participants joining on-site after missing the registration deadline. As well as runners from northern, central, and southern Taiwan, participants also traveled from Penghu and Southeast Asia to take part.
Although the morning began with light drizzle, thousands of runners gathered early at the Dahu Wine Resort to warm up before the race. The rain stopped just before the start time, bringing comfortable running weather. Deputy Magistrate Chiu was joined by Agriculture Department Specialist Hsiao Ya-Chun, Dahu Township Mayor Huang Hui-Chin, Dahu Township Council Chair Hsieh Chien-Te, Public Health Bureau official Chang Yu-Chie, Precinct Chief Huang Chao-Wei, and Chairperson the Dahu Area Farmers’ Association, including Chairman Fu Sung-Lin, Executive Supervisor Fan Ting-Fang, and Secretary-General Hsu Chin-Chih, in welcoming runners from near and far and wishing them a strong start to the Year of the Horse.
Deputy Magistrate Chiu noted that the marathon has been held for 13 consecutive years and continues to grow in popularity among runners. This year’s event attracted several well-known figures among the participants. On behalf of the county government, she welcomed all runners and thanked the many organizations and volunteers whose efforts made the event possible. She also expressed hope that participants would enjoy the romantic atmosphere along Provincial Highway No. 3, while helping promote Dahu’s high-quality strawberries and other local agricultural products.
Chiu added that taking part in a road race and improving one’s health is already a victory in itself. She also encouraged visitors to explore the rich cultural scenery along the Romantic Route 3, as well as the well-known attractions in Dahu and neighboring townships. Participants were encouraged to enjoy the fresh fruit and local treats offered at the refreshment stations, and she wished all runners success as they gave their best on this beautifully scenic course.
At 7:00 a.m., the full marathon event began first after Deputy Magistrate Chiu and distinguished guests sounded the starting horn. Runners then set off southbound along Provincial Highway No. 3, with the half marathon, fitness run, and leisure run groups departing every 20 minutes thereafter. Some runners pushed strollers with their babies, while others brought their pets along for the run, adding a lively and joyful atmosphere to the event. After the starting ceremony, Chiu and guests continued cheering on participants with high-fives. She also distributed Year of the Horse lucky bags to runners who had traveled from as far as Penghu to attend, and presented Gongtian Temple pacifiers to accompanying infants—both gifts proving popular and well received.
Following the completion of each race category, the organizers held award ceremonies to recognize the winners. The final race results can be found on the Taiwan Triathlon Association website.