2026 Tainan Taya Pineapple Marathon Concludes Successfully,
8,900 Runners Mark a Historic Milestone
In the early morning of March 29, 2026, Guan Miao in Tainan came alive once again. Organized by the Taya Group, the “2026 TayaPineapple Marathon” attracted nearly 8,900 runners, setting a new record for participation. Marking the Group’s 71st anniversary and the 6th edition of the event, this year’s race embraced the theme “Run for a Greener Future.” Runners raced along an international-standard course, passing through pineapple fields, forest landscapes, and vibrant painted villages. They climbed to the Erliao Sunrise Pavilion to overlook breathtaking valleys—challenging their personal bests while immersing themselves in the natural beauty and cultural charm of the “hometown of pineapples.”
A Moment of Glory: Legends and Centurion Runners Shine
One of the most inspiring highlights was a legendary runner completing his 1,000th marathon—a remarkable lifetime milestone. A special commemorative trophy was awarded at the finish line, witnessed by all participants. Meanwhile, hundreds of runners reached their “100 Marathon Club” milestones (ranging from 100 to over 800 races), a significant increase from last year. This demonstrates that the Taya Pineapple Marathon has become a premier platform for long-term dedication among runners. It is not only a triumph of perseverance, but also a true reflection of the “power of stability.”
Three Key Innovations: Advancing Professionalism and Sustainability
Internationally Measured Course
This year’s race course moved toward certification by World Athletics, with both the full and half marathon meeting international standards. This ensures a professional and safe racing experience while bringing Guan Miao’s pineapple fields and Tainan’s unique landscape to the global running community.
TAYA Young Explorers: Children’s Educational Camp
On the morning of March 28, a free experiential camp for students (high school and below) was launched for the first time. Registered runners could bring their children, and local Tainan students were also invited to participate. Activities included learning about electricity through interactive games, exploring large-scale energy storage systems, and visiting pineapple fields with hands-on DIY experiences. The program planted seeds of sustainability awareness and local identity in young minds—fulfilling the brand’s commitment to future education and creating cross-generational green memories.
Spool Sustainability Festival × TAYA Market
From the afternoon before race day through the entire event day, an immersive sustainability carnival attracted countless families. The event featured recycled crafts, low-carbon pineapple cuisine, environmental education, performances by local farmers and school groups, as well as DIY workshops, talks, and green food experiences. In collaboration with National Tsing Hua University’s sustainable race alliance, a six-category waste sorting system was implemented (general waste, food waste, plastics, paper, paper containers, and bottles/cans), supported by clear signage and on-site guidance. Recycling rates improved significantly, moving steadily toward a zero-waste goal.
Enhanced Sustainability Actions: Deepening ESG Integration
Since introducing ESG initiatives in 2013, Taya Group officially joined the Sustainable Marathon Alliance this year. Efforts included electronic finisher certificates, packaging-free race shirts, eco-friendly straps, waste sorting, free shuttle services to reduce carbon emissions, reusable cups, and temple lodging experiences.
Along the course, runners enjoyed unique local supplies such as cheering squads, pineapple-themed attractions, traditional foods, and local delicacies. After finishing, participants were treated to Tainan specialties, fresh pineapple, festival booths with vouchers, hot water facilities, and shuttle services—bringing home not only rewards but also the warmth and hospitality of Tainan.
Toward Taiwan’s First Marathon Fully Offset by Corporate-Owned Renewable Energy
As the only corporate-hosted race within the sustainability alliance, the Taya Pineapple Marathon holds a unique advantage: leveraging the Group’s integrated green energy portfolio—generation, storage, and transmission—to offset the event’s electricity use and carbon footprint.
This is not only an extension of brand engagement and sports, but also a demonstration of Taya’s energy integration capabilities and ESG commitment. Looking ahead, the event aims to supply all electricity from its own solar and energy storage systems, combined with carbon footprint verification and reduction labeling, progressing toward Taiwan’s first net-zero marathon fully offset by corporate-owned renewable energy—setting a benchmark for the industry and enhancing global visibility and impact.
Source: Taya Group Press Release
