Taiwan’s only banana-themed fun run offers scenic views of Qishan and eight must-try local delicacies

By MOOK Travel Family / Compiled & Reported
 
Taiwan’s only banana-themed fun run – the Qishan Marathon – was a hit in its first year, drawing nearly 7,000 runners to Qishan. The second edition of the Banana Fun Run – Qishan Marathon started on January 7, 2018, jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Sports Bureau, Qishan District Office, and United Digital Culture. Events include a full marathon (42K), half marathon (22K), fun run (11K), and family run (3K). Building on the success of the first race’s course, the second edition extended the 42K full marathon route to Meinong, allowing participants to enjoy even more breathtaking views of Qishan.

One of the most praised aspects by runners was the well-stocked aid stations along the route. In addition to locally selected northern bananas, various banana-themed treats were specially created for the event by Qishan shops and community development associations: banana steamed buns, banana jelly, banana soup, banana cake, banana egg rolls, as well as hibiscus-flavored banana popsicles and thick soy milk made from locally grown edamame. Furthermore, the event promoted sports tourism by introducing activities such as in-depth tours of Qishan, fruit tree adoption, and camping at the Qishan Sugar Factory. Runners from all over Taiwan are warmly invited to gather in Qishan. Registration is now open until October 31.

The 2018 Qishan Marathon includes not only the original 22K half marathon, 11K fun run, and 3K family run, but also adds a new 42K full marathon, catering to runners eager to challenge themselves.

The full marathon route passes by seven temples: Kunzhou Temple, Shuanglong Temple, Fude Temple, Qwei Mountain Chaotian Temple, Yuanshuai Altar, Difu Temple, and Miaolian Temple. The temples participated by providing supplies and blessings for the runners.

Local specialties and banana-themed snacks were a huge hit in the first edition. For the 2018 Qishan Marathon, local businesses, temples, and communities collaborated to develop a series of banana-themed energy foods. Qishan’s 91-year-old Zhizai Ice City created an exclusive treat for the event: ‘Banana Qing Ice Pops – Hibiscus Flavor.’ These icy banana pops, infused with sweet and tangy hibiscus flavor, offer a refreshing chill—available only on race day, so don’t miss out.

The banana soup prepared by Qishan Xizhou Kunzhou Temple and Dashan Community is a traditional local dish and a must-try aid station offering. Other banana-themed treats include banana steamed buns from Nanxin Community, banana jelly from Wuling Temple Lingyuan Main Hall, rich Taiwanese No. 9 soy milk, Jimi Banana Cake, Hongyun Jishi Banana Chips, Shuanglong Temple’s chewy banana cake, Xianti Banana Egg Rolls, and plenty of fresh Qishan northern bananas along the way—keeping runners fueled with potassium-rich goodness.