Races
Formosa Trail
Taiwan, November. 104 km on 75% trail. +41,978 ft of climbing. 28 hours cutoff.
- Start1,955 ft
- High4,737 ft
- Low1,955 ft
- Finish3,586 ft
- Taiwan at mile 0.0
- Formosa Trail mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 5.6000000000000005 hours
- Formosa Trail mile 26 at mile 26, cutoff 11.200000000000001 hours
- Formosa Trail mile 39 at mile 39, cutoff 16.8 hours
- Formosa Trail mile 52 at mile 52, cutoff 22.400000000000002 hours
- Finish Taiwan at mile 65, cutoff 28 hours
Geometrycourse math
Weather at the cruxcourse math
At hour 6 of race, feels like 30 C (81 F).Sample of 7 race days, medium confidence.At hour 6 of race, apparent temperature P90 is 30 C / 86 F.
The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 42)
Course DNA
The Course
Formosa Trail runs 104 km through Taiwan. +41,978 ft gain and -40,348 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 4,738 ft. Low near 1,955 ft. November temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 32.
The Work
Train for 41,978 feet of climbing across 104 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 28 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 7/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 42.
Kit
November in Taiwan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 28 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 32.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 32. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 42 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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