The Taipei Marathon is Taiwan’s largest and most prestigious road race, held each December when the cooler winter weather creates ideal running conditions. The course starts and finishes near Taipei City Hall, winding along the Keelung River, through the Dazhi area, and past the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. Taipei’s incredible night markets, welcoming culture, and blend of traditional Chinese and Japanese influences make it a fascinating marathon destination.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Taipei Marathon 2027 |
| Date | Sunday, December 19, 2027 |
| Venue | Taipei City Hall Plaza (Start/Finish) |
| Address | Xinyi District, Taipei City 110 |
| Airport | Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) |
December in Taipei brings cool, comfortable conditions with temperatures around 14–20°C (57–68°F) and the possibility of light rain. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
The Xinyi District puts you right at the start/finish and near Taipei 101. Zhongshan and Zhongxiao are central with excellent MRT (metro) access. Ximen (Ximending) is a lively entertainment district with budget-friendly accommodation. Taipei’s MRT makes the whole city accessible.
Getting There
From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taoyuan Airport MRT | 35 min | TWD 160 (~) | Direct to Taipei Main Station |
| Airport Bus (Kuo-Kuang) | 55 min | TWD 140 (~.50) | To Taipei Main Station, frequent service |
The Airport MRT is fast and modern. An EasyCard (rechargeable IC card) is essential for Taipei’s public transport.
Where to Eat
Taipei is one of the best street food cities in the world. The night markets are legendary — Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia each offer hundreds of stalls serving incredible food at tiny prices. Beyond the markets, Taipei has excellent Japanese, Sichuan, and contemporary Taiwanese restaurants.
Local Food to Try
- Beef noodle soup — Taiwan’s national dish: tender braised beef in a rich, spiced broth with hand-pulled noodles
- Xiao long bao — Delicate steamed soup dumplings, best at Din Tai Fung or in the night markets
- Bubble tea (boba) — Invented in Taiwan — sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls
Essential Tips
Currency. New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Cash vs card. Cash is still king at night markets and smaller restaurants. Cards accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs are plentiful. Tipping. Not customary in Taiwan. Service charges are added at upscale restaurants. Language. Mandarin Chinese. English is increasingly common in tourist areas and on the MRT. Weather. Cool, 14–20°C (57–68°F), occasional drizzle. Safety. Taipei is extremely safe, even at night.
What to See
- Taipei 101 — The iconic 508-metre skyscraper with an observation deck on the 89th floor
- Shilin Night Market — Taipei’s largest and most famous night market with endless food stalls and games
- Longshan Temple — A stunning 18th-century Buddhist temple in the historic Wanhua district
- Jiufen — A charming hillside town with narrow lantern-lit streets and tea houses overlooking the ocean (day trip)
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | TPE, ~35 min by Airport MRT |
| Venue | Taipei City Hall Plaza (Start/Finish) |
| Currency | New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) |
| Cash needed? | Yes (night markets) |
| Language | Mandarin Chinese |
| Weather | 14–20°C (57–68°F) |
| Emergency | 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2027.