On the open road

If you’re tired of the usual city marathons this race from Chinese Taipei is guaranteed to surprise you. The Nanshan Taipei Freeway Marathon is the only race in the country that completely closes a real freeway for runners. Every spring over 12,000 runners take over a stretch of highway and turn it into a unique, runner-only playground under the open Taipei sky.

The race first started back in 1992 and has been going strong for over 30 editions. Since 1995 it has been held on the elevated section of the Zhongshan Freeway between Xizhi and Wugu, offering long, straight roads perfect for chasing your PB. What makes it even more special is that the full marathon is an elite-focused race with a strict 4-hour time limit, presenting a real challenge for serious runners. For those who want a lighter experience, there’s also a half marathon and a 3km fun run.

In recent years the race has evolved beyond running. In 2023 and 2024, the organizers teamed up with Japan’s iconic superhero franchise Ultraman, creating themed aid stations and exclusive merch that turned the course into a pop culture party. It drew in families, younger runners and fans, adding a fun and colourful vibe to the day.

During the pandemic the race showed its resilience. In 2022 it was postponed to May but still went ahead and welcomed over 6500 runners to conquer the freeway. In 2025 it remains one of Taiwan’s most anticipated spring races.

2026 brings exciting new changes: the race will be officially named the Nanshan Taipei Freeway Marathon thanks to its new title sponsor, Nanshan Life. And for the first time the organisers are replacing the classic 10km race with a brand-new 4-person relay. Each runner covers 5 km, combining team spirit and speed over a total distance of 20 km.

The next edition is set for Sunday, 8 March 2026. If you’ve ever dreamed of racing on a real highway, with the city skyline in view and nothing but smooth tarmac ahead, this is your chance. Whether you’re going all-out to beat the 4-hour limit in the full marathon or teaming up with friends for the relay, the Nanshan Taipei Freeway Marathon offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping adventure you won’t find anywhere else. Come write your own running story on Chinese Taipei’s only freeway marathon!