HL County Gov. Invites Beast Runners to Talk Mountain Safety, Drawing Nearly 200 Attendees

(中央社訊息服務20250902 10:14:01)On August 24, the Hualien County Government hosted the second installment of this year’s International Exchange Lecture Series, welcoming the co-founders of Beast Runners, Czech adventurer Petr Novotny and Eva Lobo, an Indigenous athlete of Seediq and Atayal heritage. Their dialogue, which bridged cultures and borders through a shared passion for the mountains, highlighted how they have spent the past decade advancing mountain safety, cultural preservation, and sustainability on a global scale. The event attracted nearly 200 attendees, underscoring strong public interest in outdoor safety and environmental awareness.

Mountains Speak Hualien’s International Language

Home to 43 of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks and boasting the country’s highest forest coverage, Hualien is more than a scenic destination. Its mountains serve as a platform for life, culture, and international connection. According to Chen Chien-Tsun, Director-General of Hualien Research and Administration Department, the lecture series aims to spark meaningful dialogue that helps both local residents and international guests appreciate the beauty and risks of Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, while also encouraging a deeper respect for nature. He expressed special thanks to the two speakers for sharing their field experience in Hualien.

From the Cliffs of Czechia to the Peaks of Taiwan

Novotny spent his childhood immersed in the Czech outdoors, developing a passion for rock climbing. However, the sudden loss of a close friend in a climbing accident made him acutely aware of the importance of safety. In 2012, he came to Taiwan as a Ph.D. exchange student and, after meeting Lobo, chose to stay and dedicate himself to mountain exploration. Over the past ten years, he has compiled more than 40,000 kilometers of GPS trail data, forming one of Taiwan’s most comprehensive private mountain path databases—a vital resource for education, trail planning, and search-and-rescue efforts.

From a Niche 20-Person Race to a Global Sporting Event

Beast Runners hosted the first Formosa Trail ultramarathon in 2015, attracting only 20 participants. By 2016, registrations had already exceeded 1,000. In 2019, the event welcomed runners from over 20 countries, including more than 400 from Japan and Hong Kong. Runners began at 4 a.m. and completed the 100-kilometer challenge in just 13.5 hours, firmly placing Taiwan on the global trail-running map. The event has continued to grow, with this year’s registrations surpassing 600 within just one day of opening. Meanwhile, the team’s YouTube channel “Beast Runners” has drawn nearly 300,000 subscribers and has become an influential platform for showcasing Taiwan’s mountain culture to the world.

Ten Hours on the Trail: The Risks Behind Trail Running

“Running 50 kilometers on the road takes about three hours. On the trail, it takes ten,” Novotny explained. “Trail running isn’t about speed. It’s about understanding and managing risk.” He urged hikers to download offline maps, carry GPS watches, bring warm clothing and food, and never underestimate the consequences of getting lost. He shared the case of a lost hiker who called for help but couldn’t provide a location—the remains were found only 18 months later. Among natural hazards, Novotny emphasized that hornets, more so than snakes or bears, are often the deadliest and most overlooked threat. Due to Taiwan’s rugged terrain, he warned against descending into riverbeds or valleys when lost, as these areas are complex and hinder survival and rescue. Staying along the ridgeline gives you the best chance of being located.

A Decade Fueled by Passion and Responsibility

The Beast Runners journey has not been easy. The team suspended events for two years during the pandemic. With no background in marketing, Novotny and Lobo personally managed every detail. They cleared mountain trails, prepared water stations without relying on plastic bottles, created signage using natural materials, and filmed and edited their own promotional videos. What began as simple GoPro footage of their explorations unexpectedly attracted tens of thousands of viewers and marked a major breakthrough during the pandemic. Looking ahead, they plan to establish the Beast School to pass on their experience through education and to enhance mountain literacy across society.

Safety First: Gear, Judgment, and Knowing When to Call for Help

Novotny pointed out that many mountain accidents stem from hikers overlooking the most basic safety gear, such as whistles, lighters, or helmets. “The mountain will always be there. Real safety means knowing when to turn back.” he said. Even when hiking in groups, each individual must take responsibility for their own safety. He encouraged hikers to memorize the emergency numbers 119 and 112 and to never hesitate to call. One near-tragic case involved a hiker who waited until their phone had only one bar of battery left before dialing for help. Novotny praised Taiwan’s fire and rescue system, saying it reflects stronger humanitarian values than those in many other countries.

Hualien’s Vision: Making the Mountains a Safe, Cultural, and Sustainable Space

When asked about river tracing safety, Novotny reiterated the importance of being well-prepared and looking out for your teammates. The event concluded with a hands-on demonstration of mountaineering gear, from basic equipment checks to emergency response drills, giving participants a practical understanding of mountain safety. Many attendees said the talk expanded their global perspective while offering valuable knowledge they could apply immediately. Several reflected that they would never again take their gear lightly and were inspired to live by Novotny’s message: “Your safety is your responsibility.”