Spring Race Along Hadong's Seomjingang River Draws 5,000 Enthusiastic Runners
by Choi Sungkyung
Published 13 Apr.2026 10:31(KST)
A Signature Sports Festival Co-Hosted by Gwangyang and Hadong
Strengthening Harmony and Unity Between Yeongnam and Honam
Against the backdrop of spring scenery along the Seomjingang River in Hadong, more than 5,000 marathoners participated in an energetic race.
The 15th MBC Seomjingang Flower Road Marathon, held on April 12 on the riverside of the Seomjingang River, concluded successfully.
This event was co-hosted by Gwangyang City, Hadong County, Yeosu MBC, MBC Gyeongnam, and the sports associations of both the city and county, establishing itself as a representative spring sports festival in the region.
The Seomjingang Flower Road Marathon, which began in 2009, has been held annually, alternating between Gwangyang and Hadong, based on the values of harmony and coexistence between Yeongnam and Honam and the promotion of public health. Marking its 15th year, the event further strengthened its significance as a symbol of regional exchange and friendship.
On this day, participants competed in the half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km categories, running along the scenic Seomjingang River. The half marathon followed the Enddeul Village bike path, the 10 km course passed through the Jundo Village canola flower complex, and the 5 km course extended toward Maehwa Village, allowing runners to fully enjoy the spring atmosphere of the Seomjingang River as they ran.
The competition for records was also fierce. In the men's half marathon, Mr. Gureung from Namhae County won with a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 38 seconds, while Ms. Lee Mija from Gimhae City took first place in the women's division with a time of 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 45 seconds. In the 10 km race, Oh Gunho from Suncheon City (36 minutes, 44 seconds) and Choi Eunsuk from Jinju City (41 minutes, 32 seconds) took first place in the men's and women's divisions, respectively.
The finisher medals also carried special meaning. This year, the medals for the event hosted by Gwangyang City featured a map of Gwangyang, and for next year's event, to be hosted by Hadong County, medals will be produced featuring a map of Hadong.
In particular, there was a performance that connected the medals from Gwangyang and Hadong into one, symbolically delivering the message of harmony and coexistence between Yeongnam and Honam.
At the event venue, Hadong County operated a tourism promotion booth, local specialty product sales booths, and a "Hometown Love Donation" promotion booth, attracting the interest of both participants and visitors. The combination of the sports event and local promotions contributed to revitalizing the local economy.
A Hadong County official stated, "The sight of so many people running together against the backdrop of the Seomjingang River in spring is truly moving," adding, "We will continue to develop this marathon as a representative event created together by Yeongnam and Honam."
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