The “Run with Passion in Hakka Villages” marathon officially launched on April 19, including three categories: “21km Pros”, “11km Steady-Goers”, and “6km Novices”. The goal is for people to appreciate the beauty surrounding the Taiwan Hakka Museum as they run or jog around Hakka villages.
The “Children’s Maturity Ceremony” parent-child experience took place on the same date, with more than 100 participating parents and kids. It comprised a series of meaningful rites like tea offering in gratitude, ground tea offering to parents, and giving of wishful gifts from parents to children. The event embodies the Hakka values of “remembering where you come from, honoring your parents”. Photos of family interactions and words on the message board preserve the abundance of emotions and precious family memories of these touching moments.
THCDC Director Ho Chin-liang said that THCDC marked the start line of “Run with Passion in Hakka Villages”. The route crossed nearby Hakka villages. 11km and 21km participants had the chance to traverse the skywalk and appreciate the majestic landscapes and scenic tung blossoms of the sinuous Tongluo Mountain. What’s more, Tongluo Tea Factory prepared special treats for runners. 21km challengers could take their time to gaze at the beauty of Tongxiao Township’s shoreline. The “Children’s Maturity Ceremony” cleverly combines tradition and creativity, deepening cultural memory through rituals and fostering family harmony across generations and emotional bonds between parents and children. This event also produced commemorative shirts out of an innovative eco-friendly material: Seawool® Yarn made from recycled clam shells. Drinks provided in the race came in reusable cups to reduce waste from disposable utensils. The event blends Hakka culture, education, and eco-conservation to achieve integration between lifestyle and nature, sustainability and tradition.
This Tung Blossom Festival Marathon will launch exclusive themed eco-friendly cooler bags, sports water bottles, and local rice dishes, a call on people to embrace reusable products and local ingredients through the vibrant sports event. From strenuous running to heartwarming ceremonies, the Taiwan Hakka Museum uses culture as a medium and activities as a bridge to bring together the land, families, and nature, crafting events that integrate sports, culture, and sustainability. This allows people to delight in the beauty of Hakka villages and feel Hakka hospitality.
