The Ten Thousand People Swimming Across Sun Moon Lake Event to Kick Off; Hotels Offer Special Rates to Attract Athletes

▲ The Sun Moon Lake Swim has expanded since 2011 into the "Nantou International Super Triathlon." The image shows an aerial view of Sun Moon Lake. (Photo / Courtesy of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

 The annual Nantou International Super Triathlon is set to take place in early September at Sun Moon Lake, featuring a swim across the lake, a cycling challenge up Wuling, and a marathon along the Zhongtan Highway — totaling over 100 kilometers, which poses a significant test of athletes’ stamina, perseverance, and willpower. In response, hotels are offering special accommodation rates for participants. Those checking in on September 7, the day before the event, can enjoy discounted rates, and those staying on the event day can benefit from a 40% discount for extended stays.

Thirty years ago, the Puli Four Seasons Early Morning Swim Club first organized the Sun Moon Lake Swim with just over 500 participants, most of whom were club members. Over the years, as the fame of Sun Moon Lake spread, the event attracted many domestic and international visitors. It has grown into Nantou’s largest and most historic sporting event. In 1995, it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world’s largest swim event. Starting in 2011, a cycling challenge up Wuling and a marathon along the Zhongtan Highway were added to form a triathlon. In 2012, nearly 30,000 athletes and 60,000 tourists flocked to various towns in Nantou, adding vibrant energy and color to the region.

During the 2013 Nantou International Triathlon and the Ten Thousand People Swimming Across Sun Moon Lake event, Hotel Royal Chiaohsi is offering special dining and limited accommodation packages. Participants can enjoy these discounts by presenting proof of event registration such as a race bib or completion certificate.

The accommodation package is limited to ten sets for the Ten Thousand People Swim event. Guests who check in on September 7 and 8 for a three-day-two-night stay will receive a 40% discount on the room rate for the second night (September 8). The package also includes a boxed breakfast for the swim day, and a Dan Tong buffet afternoon tea after the race. Other inclusions are: two nights’ stay in a Ming Yue Mountain View Room, a choice of Dan Tong buffet dinner or Han Yan Cui Chinese evening set menu per person per day, one energizing boxed breakfast per person, one Dan Tong buffet afternoon tea or a value lunch at the lobby bar per person (choose one), and participation in a themed eco-tour of the local area.

In addition to the accommodation package, dining promotions are also available. By presenting proof of participation in the 2013 Sun Moon Lake International Super Triathlon or the Ten Thousand People Swim (such as a race bib or completion certificate), guests can enjoy a “Buy Two Get One Free” deal on Dan Tong lunch or afternoon tea for three people on September 7, 8, 14, or 15.