Chiba Prefecture will send winning runners of the Chiba Aqualine Marathon 2014 (*1) and the prefecture's official mascot "Chi-ba+kun" to Taiwan to participate in the Taipei Marathon (*2).  

While in Taiwan, they will also attend the Taipei Marathon International Forum to call attention to the Chiba Aqualine Marathon and visit local news organizations to publicize Chiba's attractions including sightseeing and sports events.

1. Itinerary for Taiwan visit

(1) Period: December 19 to 22, 2014

     (a) Taipei Marathon International Forum on Dec. 20 under the sponsorship of the Taipei City Government

     (b) Taipei Marathon on Dec. 21, 2014

     (c) Interact with Taiwanese runners who were invited to Chiba Aqualine Marathon 2014

(2) Participating runners

Four Chiba residents who were higher-ranking winners in the Chiba Aqualine Marathon 2014, five invited Taiwanese runners and Chiba's official mascot "Chi-ba+kun" (*3).

(*1)  A unique marathon held by Chiba Prefecture, featuring the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway, popularly known as Aqualine, as part of its course. In the 2014 race, 12,969 people ran in the full marathon and 3,840 people in the half marathon, drawing about 350,000 spectators.

(*2)  Taiwan's largest marathon to be held on Dec. 21, 2014.

(*3)  "Chi-ba+kun" accompanied by two officials of Chiba Prefecture, will join local fans in a 3-kilometer fun run.

2. Promotional activities in Taiwan

(1) Official mascot "Chi-ba+kun" will visit the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and local news organizations to promote Chiba's popular sights and attractions.

(2) Taipei buses wrapped with the "Chi-ba+kun" advertisement runs nine city routes until Dec. 31, 2014.