"A Dazzling Last Sprint on the Hometown Track: Gwangju City Track and Field Team’s Intense Build-Up"

Under the blazing sun on the track at Gwangju City Public Stadium, the rhythmic sound of sneakers hitting the ground echoes alongside heavy breathing. This is the training scene of the Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team, led by Head Coach Bae Yonghak, which has carried the pride of Gwangju for nearly 20 years since its establishment on February 1, 2005.

This year, the Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team has a clear goal: to soar at the Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival, which will be held in their home city of Gwangju. Since January, the athletes have completed an intense six-week winter training camp spanning Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province and Haenam in South Jeolla Province, and are now in the final stages of their preparations.

Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team, Targeting the 'Golden Race' at the Gyeonggi Province Sports Tournament. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

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The biggest change for the Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team is the addition of athlete Eun Donghyeok, who joined last year. Previously composed mostly of female athletes, the team's training quality has improved significantly with Eun's arrival. Eun Donghyeok is more than just another team member-he serves as a pacesetter who helps the female athletes push their 'red point' (personal limits) and acts as a strong supporter.

Head Coach Bae Yonghak noted, "Our team's strength lies in the fact that every member has a consistently high skill level, rather than relying on a single standout star. With Eun setting the pace, the sense of rivalry and synergy among the athletes has exploded, bringing the team's overall balance to its peak."

This has been proven by their results. Beginning with a second-place finish in the 4×800m relay at the 2025 Gimhae KTFL National Business Track and Field Competition, the team went on to win first place consecutively at the 29th National Championships and the 36th National Business Team Championships, establishing themselves as the dominant force in middle- and long-distance relays.

Gwangju City Hall Athletics Team, Aiming for a 'Golden Race' at the Gyeonggi Provincial Sports Festival. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City.

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For the Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team, which specializes in middle- and long-distance events, there are no shortcuts. Covering distances from 800m to 10,000m, the athletes run an average of 25km each day-15km in the morning and 10km in the afternoon.

Coach Bae emphasizes, "Cardiorespiratory endurance can't be developed overnight. Only consistent building up is the answer." To prevent injuries, the team takes a light approach to weight training but focuses intensely on core exercises and stretching, which is their secret to maintaining a body optimized for running.

The athletes' determination for this competition is also extraordinary. Lee Dagyeom, a core member of the team, finds this Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival particularly special. As a native of Gwangju, she will be running on her hometown track, and, being on the verge of retirement, this will effectively be her last home event.

Lee Dagyeom expressed her ambition, saying, "Since this is both my first and last competition to be held at home, I am determined to set a new personal best, making full use of the home advantage. I am maintaining peak condition through hot packs and strict nutrition management."

Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team, Aiming for the 'Golden Race' at the Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

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Team mood maker Shin Miran added, "The chemistry among the athletes is great, so we are able to overcome tough training together with joy. I want to achieve a podium finish in the team event and give Lee Dagyeom a memorable send-off." Song Minseon also smiled, saying, "With the pride and responsibility of representing Gwangju City, I want to repay the citizens who support us."

The team's "big brother" Eun Donghyeok said, "I'm doing my best to provide mental support and share my experience so that the younger athletes, who are much younger than me, can rely on me comfortably," spreading positive energy throughout the team.

Under Coach Bae Yonghak's philosophy that "training only works when it is enjoyable," the Gwangju City Hall Track and Field Team is now ready to reap the rewards of their hard work in front of Gyeonggi Province and Gwangju citizens. Anticipation is already high for their run, which is set to break limits and dash across their hometown soil.

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