Taipei Ultra Marathon 48‑Hour - Race Report

The 2026 Taipei Ultra Marathon was held over three days and two nights at Taipei Expo Park, with the flagship 48‑hour race taking place under harsh conditions of low temperatures, rain, and strong winds. Despite the weather, elite ultrarunners from around the world delivered world‑class performances. A total of seven athletes met the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) 48‑hour International Standard Level, enabling the event to earn IAU Gold Label certification for the fourth time and solidifying its status as one of the premier 48‑hour ultramarathons globally.

The race kicked off on Friday afternoon, with athletes battling through the weekend on the Expo Park track. Norwegian runner Simen Holvik claimed the men's 48‑hour title with a distance of 451.203 km, achieving a personal best, setting a new Norwegian national record, and delivering the best global performance of the year. In the women’s division, Polish world record holder Patrycja Bereznowska secured victory with 361.496 km, demonstrating elite endurance despite experiencing physical discomfort.

Taiwanese athletes also delivered impressive performances. Lin Chieh‑Ju (林捷如) achieved 336.059 km, significantly surpassing her personal best to become the top Taiwanese female finisher, showcasing exceptional pacing and endurance management in ultra‑distance racing. In total, seven runners — including Cheng Yung‑Min, Huang Hsiao‑Chun, Łukasz Wróbel, and Tetsuo Kiso — successfully exceeded the IAU international standards.

The event organizers implemented high‑standard reward mechanisms. Athletes who meet the international standard within 48 hours and finish in the top three are awarded €2,000, attracting elite global runners to Taiwan. This also brings high‑intensity competition and valuable experience‑sharing opportunities for local athletes. IAU President Nadeem Khan attended in person as the technical delegate this year. He praised the athletes' outstanding performances despite the cold snap and emphasized Taipei Ultra as a key global benchmark for 48‑hour races.

The opening ceremony welcomed officials from the Taipei City Government Sports Bureau, Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs NGO International Affairs Council, and foreign diplomatic representatives in Taiwan, underscoring the role of sport in citizen diplomacy and enhancing Taiwan’s global visibility.

Top three Male

Top three Female

Frank Kuo,

Asia & Oceania Representative