Is the Jioming Lake Trail Run set to kick off on August 23? Taitung Forest District Office: No approval granted

▲Jioming Lake in Taitung. (Photo / Courtesy of Taitung County Tourism Website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Jioming Lake Trail Run event claimed to have started registration on the 28th, sparking heated discussion among netizens. In response, Taitung Forest District Office Director Chang Tie-chu solemnly stated that the event organizers had not submitted an application, nor had approval been granted for the Jioming Lake Trail Run.

The Taitung Forest District Office pointed out that a week ago, they contacted Mr. Fu, the event liaison person of the organizing team, regarding the “2014 Jioming Lake Trail Run.” They explicitly informed him that most of the Jioming Lake Trail is situated at altitudes above 3,000 meters, featuring steep slopes, ridgelines, collapsed cliffs, and gravel paths—terrain that poses considerable risk. If the event is to be held, a proper risk assessment must first be conducted, along with appropriate planning for emergency medical response mechanisms, and approval must be obtained before proceeding. Although the organizers indicated they would submit an application, they never did, yet still posted online on the evening of the 28th claiming that registration had begun.

▲Jioming Lake Trail Run registration webpage (Photo / Screenshot from the internet)

The Taitung Forest District Office reiterated that the Jioming Lake Trail is located in a high-altitude environment. Once entering the mountainous area, atmospheric pressure drops and oxygen becomes scarce. Mountain weather, in particular, is highly unpredictable and dangers can arise at any time. Moreover, there have been multiple cases of altitude sickness on the Jioming Lake Trail this year, making it truly inadvisable to hastily organize a trail running event.

Additionally, parts of the Jioming Lake National Trail were severely damaged during Typhoon Matmo and still require repair and maintenance. Currently, the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area and Jioming Lake National Trail remain closed and are not open to the public. The Taitung Forest District Office urges the public to consider their own safety and not to rashly sign up for the event.