Introduction: Drawn by the Tropical Breeze

For trail runners, overseas races are always a special stage where the “longing for the unknown” and “anxiety about finishing” intersect. The excitement only intensifies when it’s the inaugural edition in that region. On March 8, 2026, I found myself standing at the start line of “XTrail Kenting by UTMB,” the first-ever UTMB World Series event held in Taiwan.

This was my third visit to the area. I thought I knew the vibe of the resort town of Kenting, but this time, bearing the UTMB brand, it was wrapped in a distinctly different kind of energy.

The temperature on race day was 25–26°C. While Japan was still lingering in the tail end of winter, Kenting felt like late May or early June. Fortunately, the sky was moderately overcast, and above all, the strong tropical wind blowing through was a blessing. Without that wind, conditions would have been brutal for runners coming straight from a Japanese winter. This “contrast of heat and wind” is the very essence of overseas racing — and it was a pleasant first baptism.

A “Festival” Culture Worlds Apart from Japan

Every time I encounter Taiwan’s trail running scene, I’m struck by how races function not merely as competitions but as full-blown “festivals.” I do appreciate the disciplined, stoic “sporting event” atmosphere of Japanese races, but Taiwan’s approach is incredibly energetic, with a remarkable knack for making the runners the stars of the show.

Through “GO ASIA TRAIL,” I’ve experienced Taiwan’s major races like Formosa Trail and Explore Your Backyard, and Kenting once again exceeded expectations with its heartfelt atmosphere. The pre-race excitement, and the powerful welcome that continued even after the finish — the unity between organizers and the community harbored a warmth that made you feel, without needing any logic, “I’m glad I ran.”

It’s kind of like a festival. In Japan, races tend to be more serious… Taiwan is incredibly good at creating excitement.

As this quote captures, their hospitality effortlessly transcends language barriers. It’s filled with a pure energy that can make even veteran runners feel like beginners again.

The Aid Station That Broke All Conventions: The “Ice Candy” Temptation

The 25km category I entered had three aid stations. The offerings were exceptionally generous, with culturally rich Taiwanese treats like guotie (pan-fried dumplings) and xiangchang (Taiwanese sausage). While the heat made it harder to reach for hot foods, staples like fruit, Hey Song Sarsaparilla (a cola with a menthol-like aroma), and Supau (a Taiwanese sports drink) were perfectly stocked.

However, what gave me — a trail runner with over 15 years of experience — an unprecedented shock was what happened at the last aid station, 3km before the finish. They were serving ice candy.

Initially, with only 3km to go, I planned to push through without stopping. But drawn in by the extraordinary excitement at the aid station, I stopped — and there, a cold reward awaited me. The sensation of ice melting into a body scorched by the blazing trail. This surprise delivered a surge of psychological happiness that went far beyond any physical recovery. Savoring it while sharing laughs with the aid station staff, that taste became an unforgettable, dramatic experience — even for someone who’s been running for years.

”Growing Pains” in Transportation, and the Organizers’ Remarkable Flexibility

Alongside the outstanding race quality, there were some visible “growing pains” — challenges to address as the event evolves. Chief among them was the mismatch in transportation capacity from Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station) to the venue.

The bus ride from Zuoying Station, the high-speed rail terminal, to the venue takes nearly three hours. But with buses running only every 30 minutes and each holding just 36 passengers, the public transport capacity was clearly insufficient for 2,800 runners. I arrived at the bus stop at 11:00 AM only to be told “two and a half hours wait,” and finally boarded the 1:30 PM bus — a tough timeline even for a veteran. On the bright side, arriving around lunchtime meant I could grab lunch nearby.

What was particularly noteworthy was the organizers’ response afterward. When I mentioned this transportation issue on my Threads account, I promptly received a forward-looking reply from the organizing team: “Next year we’ll run dedicated shuttle buses for runners. So please come back next year.” The youthful energy of the organization and their flexibility in immediately channeling feedback into improvements convinced me that this event will evolve into one of Asia’s premier races.

Gear and Strategy: Mastering the Temperature Gap

From Japan’s winter to Taiwan’s summer — to cope with a nearly 20°C temperature difference, I relied on “ALIVAL,” a concentrated sodium-potassium liquid supplement. By efficiently replenishing the minerals lost through heavy sweating in the heat, I managed to avoid a serious situation when my hamstrings threatened to cramp in the final stretch, ultimately making it to the finish. For expeditions during periods when your body hasn’t yet transitioned from winter to summer mode, this kind of “concentrated liquid” supplement proves to be a powerful weapon.

After the race, even I — normally someone who keeps a cool head about “not wanting to add to my luggage” — couldn’t resist the post-finish euphoria. Without hesitation, I purchased the official race aloha shirt (1,800 TWD / approximately $55 USD). Available in white, pink, and purple, I deliberately passed on the pink and purple that would pop at a resort, opting instead for “white” — a color I could easily wear in daily life back in Japan. The moment I tapped my phone for Visa contactless payment, I felt a special satisfaction of becoming part of this event — perhaps it was the local frenzy that made me feel that way.

Conclusion: Toward the Next Challenge — The 50km Horizon

“XTrail Kenting by UTMB” is a rare event that goes beyond the merits of any course, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Taiwan’s culture and community energy. The youthful vigor of the organizing staff and the festival-like atmosphere that inspires runners become addictive once experienced.

Having completed the 25km this time, my sights are already set on next year’s 50km category. What dramas await in even more intense heat? If you want to feel pure “joy” that transcends language barriers with your entire being, why not stand at the start line next year?

Conquering a 20°C-plus temperature gap and savoring that ice candy near the finish — it’s sure to become a special memory etched into your trail running history.