(Central News Agency message service 20251010 16:26:07) The 13th TKK Flexpower Ultramarathon 2025 kicked off 10th October with great enthusiasm at the Nangang Vocational High School track and field stadium. The event was organized by the Chinese Taipei Ultramarathon Association and title-sponsored by Taiwan K.K. Co., Ltd., attracting nearly 250 runners to the National Day race track. Despite the scorching weather with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, athletes still ran with all their might, demonstrating the spirit of "surpassing oneself and persistent running."
This year's event features diverse categories including 50km, full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, as well as 5-hour, 2-hour, and 1-hour relays, offering a suitable stage for everyone from seasoned veterans to first-time challengers. The loop-style track at Nangang Vocational High School's athletic field is flat and safe, making it easy for runners to manage their pace and hydration strategies. However, under the blazing sun, high temperatures became the most severe challenge. Athletes adjusted their strides, stabilized their breathing, and replenished their fluids in the scorching heat. Many successfully completed the race, demonstrating astonishing heat endurance and sportsmanship.
In the most anticipated 50km category, the leading group of runners encouraged each other and showed no hesitation under the scorching sun. Lin Yu-liang ultimately crossed the finish line first with a time of 04:29:47, successfully clinching the men's championship; Feipao Ambassador Chou Chun-hung followed closely, securing second place with a time of 04:37:49; Ultramarathon veteran representative Chen Hsiung-hai took third place with 05:15:49, completing his tenth year of the Feipao challenge! In the women's category, Hu Mei-ling, who traveled north from Taichung, maintained a steady pace even in the scorching heat, completing her first challenge in 05:52:43 and bravely claiming the women's championship; Lin Mu-jung completed her personal first 50km challenge with a time of 06:00:40, securing second place.
The relay races were equally lively and intense, with many running teams demonstrating excellent teamwork. Ultimately, the "50 MINUS" team claimed the 5-hour relay championship with a total distance of 37.647 kilometers; the "Flying Family - Flying Dragon Team" secured the 2-hour relay championship with 20.727 kilometers; and the "Ultramarathon Referee Team," not on duty today, won the 1-hour relay with 11.844 kilometers. Each team sprinted with all their might on the track, while cheers and applause erupted from the sidelines, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Since its inception, the Taiwan K.K. has promoted ultramarathon sports by upholding the principles of "health, public welfare, and sustainability." For many years, the Ultramarathon Association has continuously encouraged runners to bring their own reusable cups for races and, in collaboration with its title sponsor, Taiwan K.K. Co., Ltd., launched the "Environmental friendly Flexpower Cup" to promote reuse and reduce single-use plastic waste. Runners can also choose not to receive a medal or souvenir shirt and instead donate the equivalent cost to the ALS Association or to support the development of ultramarathon sports. Since 2013, these charitable initiatives have accumulated donations exceeding NT$5 million, helping ALS patients find a ray of hope. Despite today's hot weather, all runners remained focused on their pace and completed the race with perseverance and determination, leaving a passionate mark on the National Day holiday. The Taiwan K.K. Flexpower is not only a physical challenge but also a prime example of a race embodying sportsmanship, social responsibility, and sustainable actions.