Taipei, Nov. 8 (CNA) The 2021 Taroko Gorge Marathon opens for online registration on Tuesday to individuals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine jab, according to the organizers.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual marathon was postponed from its traditional November date to March 5, 2022, with registration to run from Nov. 9 until Dec. 6, the organizers said Monday.
As availability is limited to 12,000 spots, participants will be selected through random draws after they sign up for the run in Taroko National Park, the organizers said.
A total of 3,000 spots are open to prospective marathon participants, while those interested in the half-marathon can apply to be one of the scheduled 5,000 runners at that distance.
Another 2,500 places are available in the less challenging 12km run.
While only individuals above the age of 17 are eligible for the three longer distance runs, an additional 1,500 spots are open to runners under the age of 17 in a 5km fun run.
Selected runners must submit proof of vaccination with at least one dose of a vaccine recognized by Taiwan's government through the event website no later than Feb. 13, the organizers said.
Once the information has been confirmed, runners will subsequently receive a participants' package, including an individual running number which will double as an entry pass to the event.
The organizers also said that children under the age of 11 taking part in the 5km run will not have to provide proof of vaccination.
The annual marathon was first held in 2000 and has since been hailed as the only world-class canyon scenic marathon by organizers and enthusiasts alike.
