Sun moon lake
By holding the race at Sun Moon Lake -- where tourism suffered because of the 921 Earthquake two years ago and from which it has not completely recovered -- the organizers hope to help raise the profile of Taiwan and put what was once the island's foremost tourism destination back on the map.
The Sun Moon Lake location has provided plenty of challenges for the course designers.
"The area is still really devastated. There are lots of land slides [still visible on the mountains,]" said Maddess. "Finding routes that were safe was quite a challenge."
This year, John Howard, one of the foremost adventure racers in the world, has been brought in as a course consultant.
Running, swimming, and rope work will continue to be an important part of the race, and this year organizers have added a mountain biking leg, which has proved highly popular in Hong Kong.
The number of teams will be divided roughly evenly, with around 34 local entries and about the same number of overseas competitors.
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