Jangheung-gun 'Prayer for Unification' Jeongnamjin Jangheung National Marathon Competition

Over 2,000 Amateur Athletes and Local Residents Participate... Marathon Hero Lee Bong-ju Attends

Governor Kim Seong: "Jangheung, a Sports and Tourism Hub, Announced as the Land of Unification's Beginning"

The 17th Jeongnamjin Jangheung National Marathon was held on the 23rd along the Tamjin River in Jangheung-gun.

According to the county on the 24th, the event hosted by the Jangheung-gun Athletics Federation saw about 2,000 marathon enthusiasts and local residents from across the country participate. The race was divided into four groups: full course, half course, 10 km shortened course, and 5 km health course.

Before starting the 5km health course, local children and key attendees are cheering.
[Photo by Jangheung-gun]

The athletes held a brief opening ceremony at 8:20 a.m., followed by stretching exercises, and then started sequentially from 8:50 a.m.

Before the start of the 5 km health course, local children and key attendees held placards praying for reunification and released doves of peace as part of an event.

On the day of the event, Jangheung-gun restricted all vehicles along the marathon course sections to ensure the safety of the runners. Volunteers were stationed along the route passing Busan-myeon, Jicheon Tunnel, and Yuchi-myeon to provide water and ion drinks.

Cheering squads appeared at various points along the course, contributing to the overall safe operation of the event. At the venue, volunteers composed of local residents offered generous local foods such as tofu and Makgeolli to encourage the athletes.

Marathon hero Lee Bong-ju also attended the event, holding a fan signing session, creating a festive atmosphere for marathon enthusiasts nationwide.

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, a reunification prayer event titled "From Jeongnamjin to Junggangjin" was held, gathering hopes for the successful hosting of the marathon and peaceful reunification.

The event, which opened with a pungmul performance along the Tamjin River, moved to the Jeongnamjin Observatory, continuing with reunification prayer activities such as releasing peace dove balloons and popping balloons.

Notably, about 70 motorcycles participated in the reunification prayer parade, attracting the attention of the participants.

Kim Seong, the governor of Jangheung-gun, said, "This event was a good opportunity to promote Jangheung-gun as the land where reunification begins, as well as a mecca for sports and tourism," adding, "I thank the participants and residents for their cooperation in safely completing the event."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.