The 2025 "Vege-Run Cup" kicked off with enthusiasm on October 25th at Guofu Sports Park in Hualien County, gathering 1,511 runners to champion the spirit of "Vegetarianism × Sustainability × Charity × Road Running." In the early morning, amidst the blessings of the Sakizaya indigenous people, vegetarian advocate Yang Tzu-yi, ultramarathon father Luo Wei-ming, triathlete Yang Tzu-ching, and rising long-distance star Huang Hua-fan led the participants, injecting a wave of positive energy for Hualien and the planet.

A key feature of the event is the "You Run, We Deliver Meals" charity initiative. Each runner's registration fee symbolized a nutritious vegetarian meal being sent to remote villages and long-term care centers. The event also hosted a vibrant vegetarian market with 60 stalls, showcasing friendly agricultural products and local handmade goods to promote a green lifestyle.

Po-Wen Yen, CEO of the Tzu Chi Charitable Foundation, stated that the goal is to leverage sports and vegetarianism to boost public health and environmental consciousness, in alignment with net-zero emission targets. This year marked a significant step forward in sustainability, as the event adopted the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System for the first time. This involved comprehensive low-carbon and plastic-free measures, from race materials to transportation, putting sustainable principles into action.

The Vege-Run is more than just a race; it's a relay of love for the Earth. With every step, participants traced a path of sustainability, using the platform of vegetarianism to protect the beautiful landscapes of Hualien and our shared global home