(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners were invited to perform at the opening of the 2017 Taiwan Marathon in Miaoli on October 15, 2017.

The performance started before dawn at 5:30 a.m., in drizzling rain. The orderly drum beats won warm applause from the runners as well as spectators.

Waist drum performance by Falun Gong practitioners at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Taiwan Marathon in Miaoli.

Mr. Shu Yaochang, county mayor of Miaoli (center, on right), Zeng Meilu, of Gongguan Township (center, second on right), and Xie Chunmei, the director of Shitan Township pose for a group photo with the Falun Gong practitioner waist drum team.

About 3000 runners participated in a full marathon, half marathon, 9 kilometer, and 5 kilometer races. Falun Gong practitioners passed out lotus flower charms along the route to promote the practice.

International students from Slovakia, Eunilea (right), Petra (middle), and Adrian (left), are happy to get a lotus flower charm.

International students from Slovakia, Eunilea, Petra, and Adrian, were happy to each get a lotus flower charm. They decided to learn more about Falun Gong after they heard there was a Falun Gong club at their university.