Gyeongsangbuk-do and Bonghwa-gun held the “15th Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Governor’s Cup Public Officials Marathon Championship” at the Bonghwa Eun-uh Song-i Theme Park on the 9th.

The championship saw the participation of some 350 public officials from 16 cities and counties across the province, including Gyeongsangbuk-do, Pohang-si, and Andong-si. These are the employees responsible for tasks closely tied to the lives of provincial residents, such as economic revitalization, public livelihood stability, support for vulnerable groups, and disaster response. Leaving behind their busy schedules for a moment, the participants ran together representing their respective organizations to build harmony and friendship.

During the opening ceremony, Hwang Myung-seok, Administrative Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Choi Ki-young, Mayor of Bonghwa-gun, attended to encourage the participating athletes and request a safe competition.

This year's championship was held as a single event: a 10km shortened marathon. The participants put on an energetic race against the backdrop of Bonghwa’s natural scenery.

As a result of the competition, Uljin-gun won 1st place and Gumi-si claimed 2nd place in the city/county overall category.

In the men’s individual division, Song Young-jun from Gumi-si crossed the finish line first, just 37 minutes after the start. Athlete Song has a record of winning the masters division at the 2024 Chuncheon Marathon.

In the women’s division, Sung Jung-sook from Uljin-gun took 1st place, crossing the finish line in 46 minutes.

Bonghwa-gun Mayor Choi Ki-young stated in his welcome address, “I am very pleased that public officials representing Gyeongsangbuk-do and its cities and counties have gathered together in the clean, forest-city of Bonghwa to foster harmony.” He added, “I hope you take home many great memories of Bonghwa along with a good game.”

Administrative Vice Governor Hwang Myung-seok of Gyeongsangbuk-do, who directly participated as an athlete, emphasized in his encouragement speech, “Only when public officials are healthy and vibrant can we provide better administrative services to residents.” He continued, “I hope this championship serves as a time of harmony to recover bodies and minds fatigued by pending issues and to encourage one another,” and requested, “Please showcase a wonderful race based on the spirit of fair play and safety.”

The Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Governor’s Cup Public Officials Marathon Championship is held annually to promote the health of provincial and city/county public officials and to foster harmony and communication within organizations. It has established itself as a representative athletic event where participants encourage each other's hard work and build fellowship.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]