Mayor Kim Byung-su: "Gimpo Hangang Marathon to Leap as a National Representative Marathon Event"

The 13th Gimpo Hangang Marathon Sets New Record with 6,600 Participants
Full Course Debuts to Enthusiastic Response
Scenic Cherry Blossom Riverside Route and Family-Friendly Content Draw Attention

The 13th Gimpo Hangang Marathon, held on the 13th along the Hangang riverside fence path, recorded 6,600 participants, emerging as a leading marathon event in the Seoul metropolitan area. Notably, this year’s event introduced the full course (42.195 km) for the first time, attracting 6,600 marathon enthusiasts from across the country, along with about 7,500 people including volunteers and families gathering in Gimpo. The participation of singer Sean and athlete Kim Minji further elevated the status of the marathon as a major event in the metropolitan area.

The 13th Gimpo Hangang Marathon, held on the 13th, recorded 6,600 participants, emerging as a leading marathon event in the Seoul metropolitan area. Provided by Gimpo City

Since the launch of the 8th civilian administration, the Gimpo Hangang Marathon has rapidly grown, setting new participation records each year: about 3,800 in 2022, around 4,450 in 2023, 5,700 in 2024, and approximately 6,600 in 2025.

This growth appears to be the result of shifting from a competition-focused event to a festival-style marathon, expanding experiential programs for family participants and citizen engagement content.

Additionally, continuous efforts have been made to ensure safety by repairing the course surface, separating running lanes by category, and expanding control areas. These efforts have contributed to positive trends such as word-of-mouth spread within the region and increased participation from outside areas.

In particular, this year’s event introduced the full course for the first time, creating a marathon route that allows runners to enjoy the Hangang riverside fence paths extending to Haseong and Gochon. The course starts at Gimpo Sports Complex and follows a route centered on the Hangang riverside fence path passing through Sau Intersection, Bukbyeon IC, Haseong, and ending at Gochon. Along with the existing 10 km and 5 km categories, a total of three categories were operated, leading to high satisfaction among participants.

Throughout the venue, campaigns such as the “International Skating Rink Gimpo Hosting” and the “Gimpo Line 5 Extension Rapid Feasibility Study” attracted attention beyond the marathon participation.

All participants ran with bib numbers inscribed with their determination to host the International Skating Rink in Gimpo, aiming for the finish line tape bearing the Gimpo International Skating Rink hosting slogan. Citizens and tourists visiting the venue created joyful memories at the Gimpo International Skating Rink hosting photo zone, adding their support to the campaign.

A citizen who participated in the event recalled, “Running along the Hangang riverside with cherry blossoms in full bloom was truly special. Running the newly introduced full course while enjoying the beautiful scenery was a happy experience,” and added, “Now I understand why the Gimpo Hangang Marathon is famous.”

Another citizen said, “It was even better because there were activities for people who didn’t participate in the marathon. Families who didn’t run also came and enjoyed games and photo zones, having a fun time,” and added, “It was a joyful and meaningful event where we could also hear citizens’ voices on major local issues like hosting the International Skating Rink and the rapid feasibility study for Gimpo Line 5 extension.”

Kim Byung-su, Mayor of Gimpo, stated, “The introduction of the official full course is an important turning point for the Gimpo Hangang Marathon to grow into a nationally representative marathon beyond the metropolitan area. The uniqueness of running alongside Gimpo’s beautiful nature and the festival-like atmosphere that families can enjoy together make the Gimpo Hangang Marathon another reason to visit Gimpo,” and added, “Gimpo is no longer a city waiting for opportunities. We will continuously strive to prepare and advance Gimpo into a city with uniqueness where citizens’ imaginations become reality.”

Meanwhile, Gimpo City plans to strengthen the marathon’s brand and expand infrastructure following the introduction of the official course, aiming to present an even more complete event next year.

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