Gimpo Hangang Marathon Earns Official Certification from KAAF, Solidifies Status as Premier Metropolitan Marathon

First in Western Metropolitan Local Governments, 12th Official Certification Nationwide
Official Records Valid for Five Years Until September 2030
Qualifying Times Recognized for Major International Competitions
Kim Byungsoo: "A Meaningful Achievement Recognizing the Event's Professionalism, Paving the Way for National Prominence"

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, the Gimpo Hangang Marathon has experienced rapid growth, and on December 1, it solidified its status as a premier marathon in the Seoul metropolitan area by receiving official certification from the Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF).

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo City, is delivering a greeting at the Gimpo Hangang Marathon. Provided by Gimpo City

The official course certification from the Korea Association of Athletics Federations is the first to be awarded to a local government in the western metropolitan region, and Gimpo City is the 12th among the 226 local governments nationwide to achieve this recognition. With this certification for the 42.195 km official course, records set at the Gimpo Hangang Marathon will be officially recognized for five years, from September 20, 2025, to September 19, 2030.

As a result, race records will serve as official documentation for qualifying for domestic and international marathons, as well as for determining elite and masters rankings. Participants can also submit their results as qualifying records for major international competitions such as the national team trials, the Olympics, the Asian Games, and the World Athletics Championships. This is expected to provide athletes with broader opportunities and further enhance the prestige of the event itself.

The certified course is designed as an out-and-back route, starting at Gimpo Sports Complex and passing through Geolpo Intersection, Hongdopyeong-ro, and Geumpo-ro, reaching Haseong Jeollyuripo-gu and the entrance to Gochon Jeonhori. All precise measurements have been completed in accordance with international standards. This ensures the accuracy of participants’ results and the safety of event operations, which is expected to significantly improve both the reliability and quality of the marathon.

Since the start of the 8th administration, the Gimpo Hangang Marathon has moved beyond its previous focus on the half marathon, introducing the full marathon course for the first time and breaking new records in both participation and finishing times each year. As a result, the number of participants nearly doubled from 3,500 during the 7th administration to 6,600, and the proportion of participants from outside Gimpo has also risen sharply, from 37.3% at the 11th edition to 42.8% at the 12th, and 46.7% at the 13th, steadily increasing the event’s recognition and credibility.

This growth is attributed mainly to a shift from a competition-focused approach to a festival-style event, the expansion of hands-on programs for families, and increased citizen participation. Additionally, ongoing improvements such as course surface repairs, separate running routes for each category, and expanded control zones for safety have contributed to a virtuous cycle of positive local feedback and a rising rate of external participants.

2025 Gimpo Hangang Marathon. Gimpo City established itself as a leading marathon event in the Seoul metropolitan area by recording 6,600 participants at the 13th edition held in April this year. Provided by Gimpo City

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo City, stated, "This official certification is a meaningful achievement that formally recognizes the professionalism, fairness, and safety of the event. The Gimpo Hangang Marathon has attracted much attention for its appeal of running against a beautiful natural backdrop and its festive atmosphere that families can enjoy together. The certification will serve as an important stepping stone for the Gimpo Hangang Marathon to become a leading marathon not only in the metropolitan area but across the nation."

He added, "Gimpo is no longer a city that waits for opportunities. We will continue to strive to become a city that prepares, innovates, and turns citizens’ imaginations into reality."

Meanwhile, Gimpo City plans to build on this official certification by continuously improving event quality and participant convenience, and by introducing a variety of programs to further establish itself as the leading marathon in the metropolitan area.

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