TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Around 150 Taiwanese expatriates participated in the ASML Eindhoven Marathon wearing jerseys emblazoned with "TAIWAN" to boost international visibility for the island. The Southern Netherlands Taiwanese Business Association (南荷台灣廠商聯誼會) announced Monday (Oct. 13) that the weekend event attracted over 35,000 runners worldwide from Saturday (Oct. 11) to Sunday (Oct. 12).
The association themed its participation as "Run for TAIWAN," encouraging unity among the Taiwanese expatriate community in the Netherlands. Chairperson Yang Chien-shan (楊千姍) revealed the event required one and a half months of meticulous planning, with all 160 specially designed jerseys quickly claimed by enthusiastic participants. Ultimately 80 Taiwanese runners participated wearing the distinctive "TAIWAN" jerseys during the international marathon competition.
Supporters waved Taiwanese flags along the marathon course while international spectators cheered for Taiwanese athletes, even shouting encouragements in Chinese. Yang recounted a memorable moment when a Dutch father told his child during the 5-kilometer family race to do his best because the Taiwanese came from so far away to participate. The event received positive feedback from both communities, inspiring plans to continue the initiative next year. ◼
