The 2025 Tanaka Marathon drew a record 16,900 participants, and the hit TV show Hi! Business in Operation turned its crew into the ultimate aid‑station cheer squad. Their live energy boosts, water drops, and on‑course encouragement elevated runner morale, surged media buzz, and set new standards for community‑driven race experiences.
Star Support at the Aid Stations
At the 15‑kilometre aid point, Ren Rong‑xuan appeared as the “Ice Water Angel,” handing out chilled mineral water while shouting “Ice Water!” to cheering crowds. Her playful interaction refreshed exhausted runners and sparked viral moments on social platforms.
Other cast members joined the action:
- Sasha (Zhang Ya‑ting) set up a “Running Buddy” zone, cheering runners with a microphone and even pacing them the final kilometre to the finish line.
- Ghost (Huang Zhi‑hong) roamed the course backpack‑filled with energy bars and fruit, supplying quick carbs wherever needed.
- Bai An and Yao Yuan‑hao managed station order and captured post‑race photos, reinforcing the “stars right beside you” vibe.
Tanaka Marathon History & New Highlights
Established in 2005, the Tanaka Marathon is Central Taiwan’s flagship running event, offering a full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21.1 km), and a 10 km health run. The route showcases local scenery, from the high‑speed rail zone to the historic sock‑weaving district.
This year the organizers emphasized sustainability, earning a UK‑based Social Return on Investment (SROI) certification and deploying fully biodegradable cups and meal containers at every aid station. Participation rose 12 % over the previous year, setting a new attendance record.
Cross‑Brand Collaboration Success
The TV show’s recent community initiative—delivering 2,000 “peace meals” in the town—transitioned smoothly into race support. Producer Yao Yuan‑hao emphasized that the partnership proved running is not just a personal challenge but a community celebration, enriching the event’s appeal and expanding the show’s content diversity.
Impact and Future Outlook
Media exposure surged, with race‑related searches jumping 3.5 times during the event and social shares exceeding 200,000. A post‑race survey revealed that 87 % of runners felt the star‑powered aid stations enhanced their experience, and most plan to return.
Local officials aim to grow the marathon to 20,000 participants in 2026, continuing to invite entertainers and athletes to create a “run‑with‑stars” brand that boosts tourism and the regional economy.
