Taitung’s renowned triathlon course is a journey that connects mountains and ocean. The race begins at Flowing Lake in Taitung Forest Park, where athletes complete a one-kilometer swim in the park’s artificial lake. They then transition to the cycling leg, crossing Zhonghua Bridge and heading onto Provincial Highway 11 along the East Coast. The cycling route passes Shanyuan Beach, Dulan, Donghe, and Duli, stretching all the way to Chenggong Township before turning back. Along the way, the Pacific coastline unfolds continuously—from rocky shores to sandy beaches, from fishing harbors to Indigenous communities, creating a truly immersive journey along Taitung’s East Coast. The final running segment returns to the city, looping between Mahengheng Boulevard and Zhonghua Bridge, before finishing amid the greenery of the forest park. Each stage corresponds to a distinct landscape—water, coastline, and urban green space—making the race not only a test of endurance, but also a way of experiencing Taitung through movement.
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From 12 km to 226 km: A Full Spectrum of Challenge
The event offers a wide range of race categories to accommodate participants of different levels. Taking the 2026 Puyuma International Triathlon as an example, the full-distance 226 km race includes a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and a 42 km marathon. The 113 km half-distance event reduces each segment by half, while the standard 51.5 km race consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km cycling, and a 10 km run. There is also a 12.2 km junior category, allowing families and beginners to take part. Through long-term collaboration between the Taitung County Government and local associations, the event has developed a comprehensive race system that opens this course to everyone—from first-time participants to elite endurance athletes.
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Why International Athletes Choose Taitung
Flowing Lake offers stable water conditions free of tides and strong currents, making it one of the few ideal venues for open-water competition. Provincial Highway 11 has relatively light traffic, and flexible traffic control can be implemented during races, ensuring a safe cycling environment. The route also features varied terrain, balancing competitive intensity with scenic richness. These advantages have made Taitung a preferred destination for international triathlon organizers. Challenge Taiwan, held in Taitung for over a decade, has attracted more than 8,000 athletes from 35 countries and over 55,000 spectators. It has established Taitung as a key triathlon hub in Asia.
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A Sporting Event That Brings Thousands Together
The numbers reflect Taitung’s strong appeal in the triathlon world. The 2026 Puyuma event registered 3,366 participants, including 310 in the 226 km category, 1,243 in the 113 km category, 1,507 in the 51.5 km category, and 360 in the junior division. Together with accompanying family members, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 visitors are expected to travel to Taitung. In October of the same year, the Beautiful Taitung International Triathlon will follow, attracting nearly 2,000 additional athletes from Taiwan and abroad. Hosting multiple large-scale triathlon events within a single year shows that Taitung is not only a scenic destination, but also a city capable of staging major international sporting events, steadily raising its profile on the global sports map.
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