GYEONGJU, South Korea—The 2025 Gyeongju International Marathon, a race renowned for its picturesque course through the heart of the ancient Silla kingdom, is set to fire its starting gun at 8 a.m. on October 18. This year marks a significant milestone for the event, which has been officially recognized by World Athletics (WA) with the prestigious 'Elite Label' certification, establishing it as the only marathon in Korea to hold this distinction. The upgrade reflects the race's high standards in athlete performance and prize money.
The 2025 edition will see a record turnout, with over 15,000 master's runners participating across the full, half, and 10km courses.
A World-Class Course Through History
The race begins and ends at the Gyeongju Citizen's Stadium, with runners navigating a course steeped in history. The route weaves past UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and Cheonmachong Tomb. This unique blend of sport and culture cements the Gyeongju Marathon's reputation as a premier 'marathon tourism' destination.
Adding a local flavour, the event will provide Gyeongju's famous specialty snacks to full and half marathon participants: 'Chalbborippang' (Barley Bread) at the 15km mark and 'Gyeongju-ppang' at 35km, offering a literal taste of the city's heritage.
Elite Field Set for Fierce Contest
The international men's elite division will feature 31 runners from 11 countries, promising a thrilling competition.
The spotlight is on Ismael Antenayehu Dagnachew (27) of Ethiopia, the 2023 Gyeongju champion. Dagnachew, who two years ago broke a 10-year winning streak by Kenyan athletes in Gyeongju, returns to challenge for his second title. A victory would make him the first Ethiopian athlete to win the event twice. His main domestic rival is expected to be fellow Ethiopian Bay Legese Demissie (30), who outperformed Dagnachew at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, where both set their personal bests (Demissie: 2:05:20; Dagnachew: 2:06:55).
Kenyan veterans, traditionally dominant in Gyeongju, are also strong contenders. Bett Stanley Kiprotich (39), with a personal best of 2:07:00, is vying to surpass the 2022 champion, Evans Kipkoech Korir (35 at the time), as the oldest winner in the event's history. Also in the mix is Choge Raymond Kipchumba (37), who secured second place and a personal best of 2:07:36 at the 2024 Milan Marathon. A win for Kipchumba would likewise set a new record for the oldest champion.
The race will be broadcast live by Channel A starting at 7:50 a.m.
Gyeongju Poised as Global Hub Ahead of APEC
Gyeongju City is leveraging the marathon to showcase its readiness as a global city, especially with the upcoming APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit scheduled to take place just two weeks after the race.
Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young emphasized that the marathon is "more than just a sports event; it’s a festival that demonstrates the dynamic present of Gyeongju, an international city that the world is watching." He highlighted the 'Elite Label' certification and the large participation of international elite athletes as proof of the event’s top-tier status. Mayor Joo expressed hope that runners, experiencing the city’s history and autumn beauty firsthand, will help Gyeongju be remembered as a city "the world wants to revisit," contributing to the successful hosting of the APEC Summit.
The Gyeongju Police Department and local authorities are prioritizing safety. Gyeongju Police Chief Yang Soon-bong confirmed that a total of 417 safety personnel, including 104 police officers and 280 city staff, will be deployed for traffic control and course management. Having personally inspected the course and conducted simulations, Chief Yang underscored that "safety is the utmost priority," and requested the cooperation of citizens and tourists regarding temporary traffic control measures. The city views the marathon as a crucial, large-scale public event leading up to the APEC Summit, aiming for a safe and dignified spectacle.
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