Taiwan Marathon Portable Toilets

The allocation of portable toilets in Taiwan marathon events requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, and there has been a situation of a severe shortage of portable toilets before the start of the race.

In the Taipei Marathon in Taiwan, there was a situation of a severe shortage of portable toilets before the start of the race, with some runners queuing for more than 45 minutes. This reflects the importance of reasonably planning the number of portable toilets.

Basis for determining the number of toilet stalls in portable toilets:

• Based on the number of participants: Generally, the number of toilet stalls in portable toilets for marathons is determined according to the number of participants. For male runners, usually one urinal and one to two squat toilets are provided for every 100 - 150 people. This is because, in terms of physiological structure and usage habits, male runners have a relatively higher demand for urination and a shorter time for it, so the number of urinals provided is relatively more than that of squat toilets. For female runners, one squat toilet is provided for every 50 - 70 people. Female runners take a relatively longer time in the toilet, and their physiological structure determines that they have a more concentrated demand for squat toilets.
• Consider the race duration: The race duration is also an important factor in determining the number of portable toilets. If the race lasts a long time, runners will have more physiological needs during the race, so more toilet stalls in portable toilets need to be provided to meet the runners' usage needs at different stages.
• Pay attention to the concentration of people at key locations: The concentration of people at key locations such as the starting point, finishing point, and refreshment stations should not be overlooked. At the starting point, a large number of runners will use the toilets before the start of the race; runners also need to use the toilets after finishing the race at the finishing point; the refreshment stations are places where runners replenish energy and rest during the race, and there will also be a relatively large number of people staying. Therefore, the number of portable toilets at these locations needs to be appropriately increased to avoid long queuing times.