It’s been around a month since Norwegian athlete Gustav Iden turned a hat from central Taiwan into a viral sensation.
A surge of interest in the hat has proved a blessing to Changhua County, the place where the hat originated. As a way of expressing its thanks, the county government has now invited Iden to come and run in a local marathon- all expenses paid.
In September, Norwegian triathlete Gustav Iden won an Ironman event in France. Half a world away, in Taiwan, his victory caused a sensation.
He had, of course, pulled off a great feat of endurance. But in Taiwan, it was mostly what he was wearing on his head that attracted attention. Iden wore a hat emblazoned with the name of a temple in Changhua County.
He says he found the hat on a street in Japan, and decided to keep it as a kind of good luck charm.
Back in Taiwan, Iden’s victory put the temple and the surrounding area on the map. The temple behind the hat soon found it couldn’t keep up with demand.
To thank Iden, the Changhua County Government is paying to fly him in for a visit in November. He will take part in a local marathon, and it’s estimated more than ten thousand will come to watch him. Of course, these spectators mean the chance for local businesses to profit, making Iden’s visit a win for everyone.