Rainbow Run: Spreading Color, Equality, and Positive Energy in Taipei
In 2012, a new running movement was born in Taipei, driven by a clear and powerful purpose. Founder Enzo Li, who had just started running in January of that year, gathered her friends who also ran to form the Rainbow Run crew. From its inception, the group was about more than just logging miles; it was about creating a community that could bring positive energy to everyone around them, built on a foundation of shared values.
A Philosophy of Open Minds and Equality
The philosophy of Rainbow Run is beautifully captured in its name. The crew calls themselves "Rainbow" because the two values they share most deeply are being open-minded and supporting equality. This ethos has created a welcoming and inclusive space for people from all walks of life to run together. They are a group of runners who believe in enjoying life and using their shared passion for sport to foster a positive and accepting community.
The culture of Rainbow Run is built around the energy of its diverse and accomplished members. The crew is a dynamic mix of people from different fields—bankers, marketers, veterinarians, and film producers—all contributing their unique perspectives. This creative and professional energy makes for a stimulating and supportive environment. Their influence on the local running scene is significant, highlighted by the fact that members of Rainbow Run were inspired to go on and found another successful running project, Rungry, which aims to bring a life experience that is eager for the next run.
Rainbow Run extends a warm invitation to any runner in Taipei who shares their values of open-mindedness, equality, and positive energy. For those looking to be part of a supportive and inspiring community, they are encouraged to connect via their official social media channels for the latest information on their runs and events.
The Taipei Running Scene
As one of the city's long-standing crews, Rainbow Run is a key part of Taipei's vibrant and creative running scene. The city is home to a multitude of other communities, including the pioneering Run Crew Taiwan (RCTW), which has been instrumental in building the modern crew scene, and the adventurous Salty Feets, which focuses on trail running. This rich ecosystem ensures a welcoming space for every type of runner in the Taiwanese capital.
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a bustling and dynamic metropolis that provides a fascinating backdrop for a thriving running culture. The city is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, offering a unique blend of flat city routes and challenging hill climbs. It is a hub of culture and innovation, famous for its world-class cuisine, vibrant night markets, and a seamless integration of modern architecture with traditional temples.
The runners of Taipei have a stunning and varied landscape to explore. The extensive network of parks and paths along the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers offers miles of scenic, uninterrupted running away from the city's traffic. For an escape into nature, the trails of Yangmingshan National Park, just a short trip from the city center, provide breathtaking views and a serious challenge. The premier racing event in the city is the Taipei Marathon, held in December, which is a World Athletics Elite Label race that takes participants on a tour of the city's most famous landmarks.
