Successful Revival After 8 Years: The 12th Yangcheon Marathon Completed

On the 13th, over 4,600 hearts beat together at the Yangcheon Marathon held at Anyangcheon Haemaru Soccer Stadium

From overseas participants to families spanning three generations running together, everyone united in the spirit of sports

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Lee Gi-jae) announced that the ‘12th Yangcheon Marathon,’ returning after 8 years, successfully concluded on the 13th.

Started in 2005 and paused after 2015, this event made a grand comeback after 8 years with the message ‘Yangcheon Running Again,’ symbolizing the start of a vibrant life with residents in the post-endemic era. The approximately 4,600 participants gathered at Haemaru Soccer Stadium enjoyed the challenge itself rather than focusing on records, uniting through the spirit of sportsmanship.

This year’s 12th marathon saw a large turnout of about 4,600 marathon enthusiasts and residents nationwide. The race was conducted with staggered starts according to time for groups participating in the 5km, 10km, and half marathon courses. Awards were given to the top 5 men and women in both the half and 10km categories, totaling 20 recipients who received certificates and prize money, while all finishers of the 5km course were awarded medals regardless of their times.

In the results, KWEMA PATRICK from Kenya took 1st place in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1 hour 13 minutes 40 seconds, and Kang Kyung-ah claimed 1st place in the women’s half marathon with a time of 1 hour 20 minutes 38 seconds. In the 10km category, Choi Jin-soo won the men’s division with 33 minutes 4 seconds, and Jo Han-sol took 1st place in the women’s division with 39 minutes 8 seconds.

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As this was the first face-to-face race without masks in four years, overseas participants were also notable. KWEMA PATRICK and KIHUGI PETER, who took 1st and 2nd place respectively in the men’s half marathon, are trainees preparing to become marathon runners. They were invited by the National Marathon Association and arrived a month ago for training. Coming up from Daejeon to participate in this event, they commented, “The Anyangcheon riverside course was very pleasant and great for running. If the Yangcheon Marathon is held again next year, we will definitely participate again.”

Family participants spanning three generations also drew attention. Lee Mu-woong, active in the Haenuri Marathon Club, completed the 10km course with his son, daughter, and two grandchildren, while Yoon Chang-byeong of the Yangcheon Marathon Club participated in the half marathon with his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, showcasing family unity and harmony. Lee Mu-woong said, “It was a meaningful and memorable time to challenge the marathon event that reopened after 8 years with my beloved family.”

Additionally, the youngest participant, 4-year-old Yoon Jae-woong, added significance by holding tightly to his mother’s and father’s hands while running the 5km course.

Besides the main race, the district set up various experience booths such as photo zones and calligraphy, along with entertaining side events including band performances and magic shows, creating a local festival atmosphere for residents who did not run to also enjoy.

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Lee Gi-jae, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, said, “Seeing the marathon venue filled with participants despite the 8-year gap, I deeply felt the desire and expectations for the return to normal life after COVID-19,” adding, “I will cherish in my heart that every step we took today together, running and challenging ourselves, is a victory in itself.”