10,000 Swimmers Cross Sun Moon Lake on Sept 24

United Daily News, Reporter Hei Zhongliang

The 2017 10,000 Swimmers Cross Sun Moon Lake event enters its 35th year this season, standing as the global benchmark for open-water swimming activities. In 1995, it was specially awarded by the International Olympic Committee for having the highest cumulative participation count. In 2002, it was officially inducted into the World Swimming Hall of Fame. Registration numbers have grown year after year, peaking at 28,391 participants, establishing Sun Moon Lake as the premier destination for swimmers worldwide.

The Nantou County Government announced that the全民休閒組 (Public Leisure Group) of the Sun Moon Lake International 10,000 Swimmers Carnival will take to the water on September 24 this year. The course runs from Chaowu Pier to Dehuashe Pier, covering a distance of 3 kilometers. Starting at 8:00 AM on July 15, registration will open for groups to sign up online. The cap is set at 25,000 participants, with registration closing once this limit is reached. For a fee of 1,000 NTD, participants can join this unique nationwide swimming spectacle. The County Government's Department of Education revealed that, based on past experience, registrations typically sell out within just two days of opening. Everyone is encouraged to seize this opportunity.

The Department of Education's Physical Education and Health Section noted that the Sun Moon Lake 10,000 Swimmers Carnival attracts an average of 27,000 participants annually. This event draws over 100,000 visitors to Sun Moon Lake on a single day for both participation and spectatorship, causing immediate sell-outs along the lake circuit roads and in local hotels. To manage traffic flow and parking availability this year, the participant cap is strictly limited to 25,000. Prospective swimmers are welcome to register as groups of three or more via the official website.

The Puli Town Four Seasons Early Morning Swim Club indicated that the registration system does not accept applications via mobile phones or tablets. The registration fee is 1,000 NTD for general participants, 1,500 NTD for foreign nationals (including those from mainland China), 800 NTD for members of the Chinese Adult Swimming Association, and 700 NTD for participants with disabilities. The registration fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, swim cap, commemorative towel, certificate, vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch boxes, beverages, and public accident insurance covering medical expenses.