Today (10/31), China Airlines, the Taiwan-based carrier, hosted its third CI Marathon - Starry Night Run at Dajia River Park in Taipei. The event, divided into three categories Half-Marathon (21K), the Run for Health (10K), and the Family Starlight (6K), attracted more than 8,000 local and international runners. Alongside Halloween-themed decorations, Starlight Concert and specialty market, uniformed China Airlines personnel handed out candy from pumpkin buckets, creating a festive feel for runners and families partaking in the starlight carnival bringing together sports, music, and holiday celebrations.

Now in its third edition, the CI Marathon has evolved from a road race into a lively brand experience that unites sports, travel, and entertainment, allowing runners to enjoy the excitement of running even more fully. The Ministry of Sports served as the advisory unit for the first time this year. Sports Minister Lee, Yang made a special appearance and fired the starter pistol to kick off the 21K Half-Marathon division. China Airlines Chairman Kao, Shing-Hwang and President Kevin Chen helped set the pace and joined the runners, demonstrating their personal commitment to promoting sports for all. Chairperson of Taiwan Transportation Safety Board Lin Shinn-Der, Political Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Wu Sheng-Yuan, Administrative Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-Shian, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Director-General Ho, Shu-Ping from the Civil Aviation Administration, Director-General Han, Chen-Hua from the Department of Navigation and Aviation, Deputy Director-General Lin, Jiunn-Liang from the Civil Aviation Administration, Commissioner Yu, Zhu-Ping from the Department of Sports under the Taipei City Government, guests, sponsors and partners all took part in the festivities on the day as well. At the same time, China Airlines would like to give special thanks to the Dajia, Yingfeng, Yuanshan, Guanshan, Meiti, Rainbow, and Bailing Left/Right Bank riverside park authorities for providing runners with exceptional green spaces to exercise in.

The theme for this year’s CI Marathon was A Carnival for the Family, inviting adults and children to run hand-in-hand. Up to 500 children and youth took part to make this Halloween evening an unforgettable experience. Lin Chun-yi, the first Taiwanese badminton player to win the men's singles at the All England Open, joined the 6K run, sharing in the excitement of the Starry Night Run alongside fellow participants. Top Taiwanese tennis player Jason Tseng brought extra star power to the event, while ultra-marathon runner Tommy Chen and his mother also registered for the 6K division this year to embody the spirit of healthy family lifestyle. In keeping with the Halloween theme, some families wore elaborate costumes for their race to give the route a festive family touch.

In addition to a rousing performance before the run by the Passion Sisters Cheerleaders from the CTBC Brothers baseball team, China Airlines offered a generous goodie bag for runners who complete this year’s race. More than 30 airfares for long-haul routes, regional routes, and domestic routes were also awarded through a lucky draw that evening. The prizes, along with 200,000 membership miles, gave runners the opportunity to fly across the world on their next journey. To further energize the event even more, the Starlight Concert, featured popular performers such as DJ Elvis Lin, Waa Wei, and the Bestards. Other installations included a large inflatable model of China Airlines aircraft, Halloween-themed selfie corners, interactive games, as well as more than 30 market stores selling food, cultural and creative merchandise, and lifestyle accessories. Both runners and visitors enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

China Airlines also incorporated its sustainability philosophy into the event. In addition to introducing sustainability and charity categories, China Airlines invited organizations participating in its "Live Better Through Sports" initiative to join the event, promoting sports equity for those with disabilities. Sustainability measures included eco-friendly supplies and reusable water cups at water stations. Food waste reduction and charitable initiatives were also incorporated into the event, demonstrating China Airlines’ commitment to corporate social responsibility through practical actions that promote healthy lifestyles through sports as well sustainability and shared prosperity. In the future, China Airlines will continue to promote sports for all through diverse and innovative initiatives that transform the CI Marathon into a road race carnival where flight, travel and music come together. (2026/10/31)