Zhudong Sakura Marathon 2027

Zhudong Sakura Marathon returns to Hsinchu County on 28 February 2027 for its second edition. The event begins beside Zhudong Railway Station at WAH! Jisan Zhudong, and brings runners onto the Touqian River riverside paths during Taiwan's spring cherry blossom season. In its first year, the event welcomed more than 2,000 runners and aimed to showcase the town's riverside scenery, local businesses and surrounding countryside.

For 2027 the organiser has redesigned its route to use a simpler circuit of approximately 10.5 kilometres, focusing on paths near Zhudong Riverside Park while construction continues elsewhere. Full-marathon participants complete four laps of the route, half-marathon runners complete two and 10K runners one. There is also a shorter leisure race. The event setting combines river views, blossom-lined sections, local sporting facilities and the convenience of a start close to the railway station.

Racing gets under way at 6:35 am for the full marathon, 6:45 am for the half marathon, 7:15 am for the 10K and 7:25 am for the 5K leisure distance. All times are local Taiwan time (UTC+8). The full marathon has a seven-and-a-half-hour limit including an early first-lap checkpoint. An awards programme takes place later in the morning, and organisers expect the event to finish by 3:00 pm.

The event has an environmental focus: aid stations will not provide disposable drinking cups, so competitors should bring their own reusable cup. Race materials are normally posted ahead of the event rather than collected at an expo. Optional shuttle services are advertised from Taipei and Hsinchu. Runners can choose normal entry or a cheaper sustainable entry without the commemorative shirt. Consult the official organiser page for applicable fees, chip deposits, registration requirements, transport reservations and the final course briefing.