The Rungry Project: The Legacy of Taipei's Creative Running Adventures
In April 2017, a new concept in running was co-founded by core members of Taipei's established Rainbow Run crew. The Rungry Project was created not for weekly training, but with a unique mission: to use a special event once a month to bring a life experience that left people hungry and eager for the next run. They believed running was a way to connect with all the other wonderful things in life, and they built an inspiring community around this creative and adventurous idea.
A Philosophy of Curiosity and Connection
The philosophy of the Rungry Project was to utilize running as a tool to spark one's curiosity about life. Their belief was that "running is not just about speed but a way of connecting food, photography, music, camping, nature, and so on." The founders wanted to create a space where they could add new horizons of learning and fun to every run. Their ultimate goal was to inspire people to never stop exploring the world, using the simple act of running as the starting point for a grander adventure.
The culture of the Rungry Project was built entirely around their unique, curated monthly events. These were not just group runs; they were complete life experiences. Each event was a new "adventure" designed to connect running with another passion, whether it was a run that ended with a photography workshop, a special culinary experience, or a camping trip in nature. This approach ensured that their activities were always fresh, exciting, and a true reflection of their mission to find joy and new experiences through movement.
An Enduring Legacy
While the Rungry Project is no longer active, its legacy is defined by its innovative and experiential approach to running. Their invitation was to an experience, not just a run, with participants following them on the LINE app for priority registration to their sought-after monthly events. They proved that a running community could be built around curated, infrequent events, and their story remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Taipei's running scene.
The Taipei Running Scene
Rungry Project brought a unique, event-based model to Taipei's vibrant and creative running scene. The crew was born from its "parent" crew, Rainbow Run, a pioneering group founded in 2012 that champions equality and positive energy. The city is also home to other communities, such as Run Crew Taiwan (RCTW), which has been instrumental in building the modern crew scene, and the adventurous Salty Feets, which focuses on trail running.
The city of Taipei is the bustling and dynamic capital of Taiwan. 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. This creative energy provided the perfect backdrop for a crew like Rungry, which was dedicated to blending running with other life experiences.
Routes, Landmarks, and Races
As Rungry's events were nomadic adventures, their "routes" covered the full, diverse landscape of Northern Taiwan. Their runs could take them anywhere, from the urban paths along the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers to the challenging and beautiful mountain trails of Yangmingshan National Park. The premier racing event in the city is the Taipei Marathon. This World Athletics Elite Label race, held in December, takes participants on a tour of the city's most famous landmarks, providing a major goal for the city's dedicated runners.