'Ahn Cheol-soo Completes Dong-A Marathon: "Listening to Citizens' Opinions While Running"'

Ahn Cheol-soo Completes His Sixth Full Marathon Course
Ruling Party Presidential Hopefuls Recently Flaunt Healthy Images

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party considered a presidential contender, participated in the 2025 Seoul Marathon and the 95th Dong-A Marathon held over the weekend, successfully completing the full course. This marks Ahn's sixth full marathon completion. According to the Dong-A Ilbo on the 16th, Ahn finished the Seoul Marathon 42.195 km full course race, which started at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and ended at Jamsil Sports Complex, with a time of 4 hours 42 minutes and 04 seconds. Ahn also participated in the 2023 Seoul Marathon and the 93rd Dong-A Marathon held in March 2023, running a two-person relay course with his wife, Kim Mi-kyung, a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine. Previously, in 2019, Ahn completed the Berlin Marathon and the New York City Marathon, among others.

A photo of Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, participating in the 2025 Seoul Marathon and the 95th Dong-A Marathon held on the 16th. Photo provided by Ahn Cheol-soo's office.

Ahn is evaluated as using marathon running not only for health management but also for political activities. In January this year, Ahn appeared on Dong-A Ilbo's current affairs YouTube channel 'Hwang Hyung-jun's Contempt of Court,' stating, "I run 20 km a week, mostly on weekends," and added, "So in total, I run about 100 km a month." He continued, "Since I came to Seongnam as my constituency, there is Tancheon Stream in the center," and said, "I run along there, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Tancheon and meeting many local residents, listening to their wishes and taking photos." This shows that he expands his contact with local residents while running and manages his constituency (Bundang-gap, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province). Additionally, during the 21st general election in 2020, when he led the People's Party, Ahn campaigned by running a '400 km national cross-country marathon.' In 2019, he also published a book titled 'Cheolsu, What I Learned While Running.'

Earlier, after completing the Chuncheon Marathon around October last year, Ahn pointed out that marathon running is an exercise that can prove both mental and physical strength in a short time. He emphasized, "Politicians who receive salaries from the people's taxes have an obligation to manage their physical and mental health well," and added, "Since I started running marathons, I have never dozed off."

Meanwhile, not only Ahn but also ruling party presidential hopefuls mentioned as early candidates seem to be trying to show a healthy image recently. Former Minister Won Hee-ryong is attending a gym in Yeouido, Seoul. His side said, "He receives personal training (PT) from 9:30 to 10:30, after office workers have left." It is said that after recently dieting and losing muscle mass, he is focusing on exercise. Kim Moon-soo, aged 74, the oldest among the presidential candidates, recently posted a photo on Facebook showing him doing pull-ups in a suit, writing, "Yongcha yongcha. The beginning and end of exercise is pull-ups," and "Health is the best," flaunting his health.

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