Ten Thousand Runners Rock the Track at 2025 CI Marathon - Starry Night Run

China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier host its second annual CI Marathon - Starry Night Run today (10/11) with great fanfare at Dajia River Park in Taipei. Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang and Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-Kai jointly fired the starter pistol to officially launch the race. President Kevin Chen personally took part in the Family Starlight (5K) division to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Tommy Chen, an ultra-marathon runner long sponsored by China Airlines, also compete in the Family Starlight Run, bringing both lively and a touch of professional prestige to the event. Tennis player Chun-Hsin Tseng and rising table tennis star Jin-Ting Lin were also present to cheer on the runners, adding their energy and support to the festivities.

In addition to enjoying the runner’s high, the ten thousand runners were able to take part in the Starry Night Concert and vibrant bazaar. The number of international runners surge by 80% to over 300, with a famous runners joining, further highlighting the international status of the China Airlines marathon. Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-Shian, Director Han Cheng-Hua from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Director-General Fang Ruei-Wen from the Sports Administration, Director-General Ho Shu-Ping and Deputy Director-General Lin Chun-Liang from the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Director Yu Chu-Ping from the Taipei City Department of Sports, Deputy Director-General Shiue Chiu-Huo from the Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism, Head of the International Division Huang Yi-Cheng from the Tourism Administration as well as President Tony Yang from CTBC Bank, the event’s main sponsor, all participated in the Starry Night Run for the 2nd time, demonstrating a strong support for this international event. Special thanks were also extended to the other 23 sponsors for their joint support of this international gathering.

Marathons have become a global craze, many international runners were drawn to the second CI Marathon - Starry Night Run, with most coming from Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Top runners from Thailand, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic also competed. International veteran marathon racer, Hendrik Pfeiffer, who is ranked 50th in the world and represented Germany at the Tokyo Olympics, joined the Starry Night Run. This event marked Pfeiffer’s first visit to Taiwan, where he was greatly impressed by the warmth and hospitality shown by China Airlines, as well as the detail planning of the event. Earth Oscar from Thailand, another experienced international marathon runner, said that the combination of sports and entertainment in the Starry Night Run created a unique, energy-filled experience. The CI Marathon not only enhance Taiwan’s international visibility but also promote tourism, fostering a new trend of combining running with traveling.

This year’s CI Marathon - Starry Night Run was fully booked in less than 24 hours after registration opened. To show appreciation for enthusiastic support of all the runner , China Airlines presented each with a great gift pack upon completing the race, and lucky draw prizes including 35 tickets and miles on long-haul, regional, and domestic routes valued at more than TWD 3.3 million. All runners that complete the race will also be eligible for discounts on limited edition tickets with select departure dates. In support of the equal rights in sports for disabilities program, promoted by the Sport Administration of the Ministry of Education, China Airlines collaborated with “Live Better Through Sports” to provide guaranteed slots for the disabled, encouraging the general public to support disabled participation in sporting activities.

The CI Marathon - Starry Night Run provided an immersive and fun experience for the whole family. The main stage opened with DJ Elvis Lin, followed by 9m88, Cosmo People, and Won Fu. Music cheered on runner along the route, flight attendants presented runners with completion medals at finish line, more than 30 market stalls featuring cultural and creative merchandise and delicious food were open for participants to explore. China Airlines will continue to promote sports and exercise in diverse and innovative ways. These marathons will not just be a sporting event, but a transnational carnival for fun. The airline also looks forward to welcoming more runners from around the world and creating every journey with unforgettable memories. (2025/10/11)