This year, despite the weather of slightly above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20 drew enthusiastic supporters from the Taiwanese community in Greater Boston, who lined the historic 26.2-mile course to cheer on nearly 180 competitors from Taiwan. The Boston Chapter of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) joined in celebrating the athletes' achievements.
The Boston Marathon, established in 1897, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest annual marathon. Held annually on Patriots' Day—the third Monday in April—the event carries symbolic meaning as a tribute to Massachusetts's struggle for liberty, the battles of Lexington and Concord. Each year, the marathon attracts more than 30,000 runners navigating the demanding course from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston, including the notorious "Heartbreak Hill" in Newton, a 0.4 mile of a steep 91-foot rise that comes after a series of earlier hills ("Newton Hills") between the 20 and 21-mile marks on Commonwealth Avenue.
This year marked a record-high level of participation from Taiwan, with more than 240 contestants ranging from their 20s to 70s competing as elite international professionals and charity runners alike. Despite the approximately 6,000 Taiwanese living in the greater Boston area, the community united enthusiastically to cheer for the athletic heroes from the homeland.
Jessie Chan from the New England Hakka Association, reflecting on the emotional experience, shared: "It was one of the most exciting moments of the year to see so many outstanding athletes travel from Taiwan to run in the Boston Marathon. When they ran by and saw me waving Taiwan's flag, they yelled back, 'Let's Go, Taiwan!' That was incredibly moving and the most rewarding moment. Plus, there are more and more runners from Taiwan in recent years!"
The energy and connection resonated with the competitors. One Taiwanese runner, Chihung Hsu, was so moved by the local community's support that he paused briefly to take a selfie with supporters before continuing his race.
In the week leading up to the marathon, FASCA students organized a preparation meeting to create posters and signs. On race day, they arrived early, positioning themselves along the course with Taiwan's national flag held high, ready to welcome the runners with warm support.
FASCA co-president Abby Kao, who lives in Hopkinton at the marathon's starting point, noted how the experience has evolved: "I felt shy at first, but we saw many Team Taiwan supporters from Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan, plus some U.S. runners showing support. Whenever a Taiwanese runner shouted 'Taiwan jiayou!' (meaning 'keep going'), we cheered back enthusiastically. Next year, I want to bring a much bigger flag, so more people can see it!"
Another student added a comment, “Next year, I want to hold my sign near Heartbreak Hill. Hope to help all the runners carry through the challenge!”
FASCA co-resident Ben Lu, with his supporting flag, is rooting for marathon runners
More than 240 contestants from Taiwan competing in the 130th Boston Marathon
Marathon runners from Taiwan Miaoli; Chihung Hsu took a selfie with the supporters rooting for him
