The streets of New York City were filled with energy, color, and the sound of pounding footsteps on Sunday, November 2, as more than 50,000 runners from around the world took part in the2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Among the cheering crowds, a group of over 20 Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) Princeton and New York chapters’ members, along with their counselors and families, proudly represented Taiwan by setting up a Taiwan Support Station at 108th Street and 5th Avenue — the 23rd mile mark of the race.
Equipped with vibrant Taiwanese flags, upbeat music, and unshakable enthusiasm, FASCA volunteers waved and cheered as thousands of runners streamed past. Their message was one of encouragement and unity — cheering for everyone, regardless of nationality. Many runners smiled, waved, and raised their arms in appreciation as they passed the sea of red, blue, and white flags.
With support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, which provided sixty large Republic of China flags, the block was transformed into a dazzling display of Taiwan pride. “The sight of the ROC flag fluttering along the marathon route, especially so close to Central Park, was just incredible,” said one counselor. “It wasn’t just about Taiwan —— it was about cheering for the world.”
Among the cheering crowd was Henry Liao, father of FASCA member. Henry ran the New York City Marathon last year and recalled how emotional it was to receive a Taiwan flag from the FASCA volunteers while he was running. “It really gave me strength,” he said. “I was deeply touched.” This year, he returned to the same spot — not as a runner, but as a supporter — hoping that next year he and his daughter will cross the finish line together.
The New York City Marathon, one of the six World Marathon Majors, is a celebration of endurance and diversity. The 26.2-mile course begins on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, winds through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, before finishing near Central Park in Manhattan. “This experience was great,“ said Jessie Wang from the FASCA New York Chapter, “For the first time in a long time, It finally felt like the world was together.”
This year’s race saw over 100 runners from Taiwan among the participants. Chiu Chia-hui, from Taipei, traveled with her husband to New York for their first overseas marathon experience. Cheering near Central Park alongside FASCA volunteers, she said she was moved by the city’s warmth and energy. “The excitement of New York completely overcame our jet lag,” she laughed. “We couldn’t sleep at all — we were just too thrilled to be here.”
Ultimately, Kenya’s Benson Kipruto won the men’s race with a time of 2:08:09, narrowly edging out compatriot Alexander Mutiso, while Hellen Obiri defended her title in the women’s race with a record-breaking 2:19:51 finish.
As the final runners made their way toward the finish line, FASCA volunteers continued to cheer, clap, and wave their flags proudly. For them, the marathon was more than a race — it was a moment of shared humanity and cross-cultural celebration.
Reported by FASCA Princeton — Kyleen Liao
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FASCA Princeton and New York members gather at the Taiwan Support Station on 108th Street and 5th Avenue, transforming the 23rd mile mark into a dazzling sea of red, blue, and white.
FASCA volunteers distribute Republic of China flags to marathon runners from Taiwan, bringing an extra boost of homegrown pride.
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) as they approach Central Park, spreading warmth and encouragement to all.
Waves of runners pass by the Taiwan Support Station as FASCA members, counselors, and families unite in spirit — cheering for Taiwan, and for the world.
