Racing by Canoeing in Raging Streams: The Siouguluan River Rafting Triathlon Kicks Off

▲ One of the highlights of the Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon is replacing swimming with rafting. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Bureau, the same applies below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive Report

The "Paddle Along the East Coast, Freestyle Fun – 2015 Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon" organized by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration (hereinafter referred to as ECNSAA) will be grandly held on June 21 at the Siouguluan River Visitor Center in Hualien.

Participants will first form groups of six and ride rafts downstream along the majestic canyons of the Siouguluan River. Then, they will run from the Qimei Tribe along the Ruei-Gang Highway to Changhong Bridge. Next, they will cycle southbound along Provincial Highway 11, enter the Zhongyong Tribe in Changbin, and return to Changhong Bridge Plaza. In addition to maintaining the triathlon group, freestyle running group (rafting + running biathlon group), and iron triangle group this year, there will also be a “Freestyle Wear” activity on the day — as long as you dare to wear and show creativity, you might win attractive prizes.

▲ The scenic Zhongyong Bicycle Path.

As this is the sixth edition of the event, and it features the only rafting experience on the Siouguluan River in Taiwan, it has already attracted participants from five countries, with around 20 international triathletes signing up. It is expected that more domestic and international athletes will join, helping more international friends discover the beauty of Taiwan’s East Coast.

At the launch ceremony held today (April 30), Luo Weishi, Deputy CEO of Songshan Sports Center and known as “Iron Banana,” said that this event allows participants to enjoy the stunning views of both the Siouguluan River and the East Coast, especially recommending the Zhongyong Bicycle Path with its picturesque terraced fields. Taipei Joggers founder Coach He Wan?, Bastiaan Bruell — who recently won the “2015 Sun Moon Lake Sakura Dancing Around-the-Lake Running Race,” and “America’s Running Sweetheart” Erica Reinhold all noted that replacing swimming with rafting is great news for runners and cyclists looking to get into triathlon.

▲ The 2015 Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon officially launched on April 30.

As this event is one of the main activities under the Tourism Bureau’s “Taiwan Summer Solstice 235” series, the organizer ECNSAA has also introduced several tour packages such as an in-depth cultural tour of the Qimei Tribe, a Sports Tourism Passport, Pearl Highlight Stores, and mobile APP challenges. Registration is open from April 30 to May 24.

2015 Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon
Event Date: June 21, 2015
Event Time: 07:00 - 15:00
Starting Point: Siouguluan River Visitor Center (No. 215, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Ruisui Township, Hualien County)
Target Participants: (1) General public (all outdoor sports enthusiasts are welcome), (2) Participants must be at least 16 years old
Event Activities: Rafting 11KM – Running 12.6KM – Cycling 44KM, totaling 67.6 kilometers
Event Fees: Duathlon Group NT$1,200, Triathlon Group NT$2,200, Iron Triangle Group NT$3,000