Wang, Yang Crowned Winners in Stunning Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon

The 2026 Chiaojiang Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon made its grand debut on the first day in Penghu County. This full marathon, covering a distance of 42 kilometers, follows the coastline of the Penghu Archipelago, traversing from Matsu, Nangan, and Beigan across the Penghu Strait, with the finish line located beside the Matsu Bridge. The cross-sea marathon not only challenges the physical limits of the athletes but has also become one of the most anticipated annual events for marathon enthusiasts in Taiwan and international runners, thanks to its stunning ocean views and tidal changes.

In this edition of the race, Wang Yixian, a local athlete from Penghu, claimed the men’s title with an impressive time of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 44 seconds. Meanwhile, Yang Qiaozhu, a female athlete from Taichung City, captured the women’s crown with a time of 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 1 second. The victories of both athletes are a testament to their individual efforts and brought rare glory to both Penghu and Taichung. Prior to the race, Wang Yixian had participated in numerous domestic and international marathons, consistently achieving strong results in local competitions. Yang Qiaozhu, on the other hand, successfully broke through her own limits and completed the cross-sea marathon challenge through a steady pace and resilient spirit.

On the day of the event, the weather was clear with a cool sea breeze, and the picturesque scenery of Penghu along both sides of the course attracted hundreds of runners and spectators. While ensuring the safety of the participants, the organizers set up multiple supply and medical stations. In collaboration with the Penghu Tourism Bureau, the event was integrated with local culture and seafood delicacies, allowing both participants and spectators to experience the unique island charm of Penghu. The successful organization of this cross-sea marathon has further solidified Penghu’s image as an international destination for sports and tourism.

For Wang Yixian and Yang Qiaozhu, these victories have not only enhanced their profiles in the domestic marathon community but also laid a solid foundation for their participation in higher-level international competitions in the future. Wang Yixian’s average speed of nearly 15 kilometers per hour demonstrates his maturity in long-distance training and cross-sea marathon strategy. Yang Qiaozhu’s completion of the full course at a stable pace proves her competitiveness in the field of women’s marathons. The performances of both athletes have also set an aspirational example for young runners in the Penghu and Taichung regions.

The victory in the cross-sea marathon is not merely a personal honor but also a reflection of local community cohesion and sporting spirit. Through such international events, Penghu can attract more domestic and international tourists, while also inspiring local athletes to pursue a passion for long-distance running, thereby further promoting the development of local sports. As the cross-sea marathon continues to be held, more athletes will be expected to challenge themselves in these waters in the future, injecting new vitality into the sports stage of Penghu and Taiwan. (Source: Central News Agency)