A road running race and a cycling event are to be held on the Danjiang Bridge (淡江大橋) before it is officially opened for traffic in May next year, the Highway Bureau announced yesterday.
The bridge, designed by the late Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid, was selected by CNN this year as one of 11 architectural projects set to shape the world. It is also set to become a new landmark in New Taipei City.
The bureau has begun the road pavement project after the closure of the final bridge segment was completed on Sept.16, Director-General Lin Fu-shan (林福山) said.
Photo: Tsai Yun-jung, Taipei Times
It conducted a safety assessment, in which it determined that the bridge could first open to sports events, Lin said.
The road race is to be held on April 18 around sunset, for which Tamsui is famous, Lin said.
Runners can register for 21K, 10K or 5K races and explore the spectacular scene at Tamsui River estuary around sunset, Lin said, adding that participation would be limited to 7,000 competitors.
The registration fee is NT$1,000 for 21K runners, NT$800 for 10K runners and NT$600 for 5K runners. Online registration is to begin at 12pm at https://irunner.biji.co/2026DanjiangBridgeOpeningRun, the bureau said.
The cycling event is to be jointly hosted by the bureau and National Geographic on April 19, with the routes passing through important landmarks in Tamsui (淡水) and Bali (八里) districts, allowing cyclists to view the asymmetric bridge from different angles, Lin said.
People can register for the 42K challenger’s group or 20K group at noon on Friday. The registration Web site is https://irunner.biji.co/2026DanjiangBridgeOpeningBike.
Organizers would only accept 2,500 people for the cycling event. The registration fee is NT$1,380 for people registering for 42K route and NT$1,080 for the 20K route
Competitors would receive a limited edition cycling jersey and a small cycling kit, Lin said, adding that they can also take a picture of a yellow frame provided by National Geographic.
As both running and cycling routes would involve Tamsui (淡水) and Bali districts as well as the environment surrounding the Tamsui River estuary, the bureau would work with the New Taipei City Government on route planning, medical supply and other arrangements, Lin said.
The bureau also plans to host a photography and painting competition, as well as other events before the bridge opens for traffic.
“We hope that people can have a personal experience of the Danjiang Bridge, an important government infrastructure, and explore the new landmark through various events,” Lin said.
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