A Christmas gift in 42 kms

I received the best Christmas gift a runner could wish for.

I had wanted to run the Taipei Marathon for some time. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be given a race bib by Adidas Philippines after accumulating points through regular purchases of shoes and gear. Unfortunately, a prior commitment — important and immovable — meant I had to pass it up.

This year, I tried to register on my own but missed the deadline.

Then, sometime last October, a small stroke of luck happened. I bought another pair of Adidas shoes — the Takumi Sen 11 — at rev.ph, a new running concept store with branches at S’Maison and Alabang. That purchase turned out to be an entry into a raffle, which I won: An all-expenses-paid trip to Taipei and a guaranteed race entry, shared with three other runners.

I have written before about Adidas shoes in a previous column — the EVO SL as an excellent all-around running and lifestyle shoe, and the Adios Pro 4 as one of the most versatile racing shoes available — so endorsing the brand and rev.ph’s offerings required no hesitation. 

Even before the trip, the rev.ph team sent us the Adidas gear we would be wearing for the marathon. I was especially pleased to receive my favorite Adidas running shorts, a matching race singlet, and a new pair of Adios Pro 4 shoes to complete the set.

The four of us flew to Taipei on 19 December and were billeted at the Amba Taipei Songshan. I have occasionally been disappointed by Asian four-star hotels, but Amba proved to be a pleasant surprise. The room was spacious, thoughtfully designed, and finished in a sleek Scandinavian style — more than enough space for the inevitable sprawl of marathon gear.

The next day, I met my fellow rev.ph winners before heading to the Adidas Runners Taipei shakeout run. 

Our group included influencers, many of whom shared interesting stories about how they found their way into running. Most were attempting their first full marathon, which made me feel like the resident marathon Ate — or Tita — offering reassurance born of experience.

Beyond our group, it was a pleasure to reconnect with old running friends and meet Filipino runners now based in other countries. Adidas Runners Taipei hosted breakfast afterward, and from there, we went straight to the expo.

This year marked a record number of participants in the Taipei Marathon, and the scale of it was immediately apparent at the expo. Taipei Expo Park was filled wall to wall with runners collecting their bibs and navigating the exhibits. We were fortunate to receive our race kits directly from Adidas, sparing us the long queues that wrapped around the venue.

Race morning came. The start at Taipei City Hall Plaza was set for 6:30 a.m., and the weather was unexpectedly warm for December — almost reminiscent of running in Manila. Thankfully, a steady wind carried through much of the course, offering some relief.

The route itself was thoughtfully designed, taking runners through central city streets, wide boulevards, riverside paths, and familiar urban landmarks. It offered a steady alternation between the energy of the city and the calm of open space.

From the wide boulevards to the quieter riverside stretches, spectators showed up. Volunteers handed out water and electrolyte drinks with calm efficiency.

If there was one defining characteristic of the Taipei Marathon, it was balance. The course was challenging without being punishing, festive without being overwhelming. The city revealed itself gradually — not just through landmarks, but through ordinary scenes: neighborhoods waking up and the skyline unfolding one kilometer at a time. It was a course that allowed for rhythm and reflection.

For many in our group, this was their first full marathon. Seeing them cross the finish line — exhausted, disbelieving, triumphant — was a reminder of why the marathon continues to matter. It is not an equalizer in the strict sense; training, opportunity, and circumstance will always play a role. But on race day, everyone earns their finish the same way: Step by step.

When I crossed the line at the Taipei Municipal Stadium, there was no dramatic collapse or surge of emotion. Instead, there was quiet satisfaction of finishing a marathon in a new city and my 12th for the year. Indeed, some of the best gifts arrive disguised as missed chances or ordinary purchases.

The Taipei Marathon turned out to be everything I had hoped for. It was a reminder that running, at its best, is not about medals or personal records, but about movement, community, and the rare privilege of seeing a city — and oneself — unfold slowly and honestly over 42 kilometers.