You don't necessarily have to travel far.

Simply following paths you usually pass by in a car with your own diligent two feet can sometimes make familiar scenery feel entirely new.

As you cut through the autumn breeze, at some point, amidst the sweat beads forming on your forehead, scenery that you would normally pass by catches your eye. The glistening water of the riverside, the ridges of the mountain ranges, and even the steep cliffs. The Gyeonggi Province you used to see through a car window shows a completely different face the moment you run through it on two feet.

'Run Gyeonggi', launched last August by Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, is a running tourism platform that started from this exact idea. It goes beyond simple running by incorporating the tourism resources, local foods, and stories of the province's 31 cities and counties into the run.

The main programs are 'Run Trip', a region-specialized travel type, and 'Gyeonggi Pacer 31', where participants run together along running courses created directly by local guides.

'Run Trip' will start with 10 cities and counties in the province—including Suwon, Anseong, Siheung, Yangpyeong, Hanam, Gapyeong, Yeoju, Gwangmyeong, Pocheon, and Paju—and will gradually expand across the entire Gyeonggi Province. Consisting of single-day types and 1-night 2-day stay types, participants can enjoy running while simultaneously experiencing local sightseeing spots and local foods—truly a "travel program" in every sense of the word.

'Gyeonggi Pacer 31' is a program where participants run along courses directly developed by 46 ambassadors (local guides) who are former running club members with a deep understanding of their regions. Operated frequently across all 31 cities and counties, these are region-specific running courses featuring diverse distances, difficulty levels, and required times.

If you are not used to running, there is no need to run fast from the start. You can participate at your own pace depending on the course. The important thing is not breaking records, but viewing the region in a way different from usual.

You can check detailed program schedules and apply for participation on the official website (www.rungg.co.kr), and catch new on-site updates through the official Instagram (@rungyeonggi_official).

Among them, we have selected five courses worth checking out at the beginning of autumn. From those unaccustomed to running to those looking forward to a proper run, you can encounter different scenery with each course.

◇ Yeoju Namhangang Bridge Run

This program runs along the Namhangang River in Yeoju for 1 night and 2 days, from October 9 to October 10.

As you cross the suspension bridge and move your feet along the riverside, an expansive view of the Namhangang River unfolds before you. The river water and autumn scenery that catch your eye just as your breath grows a bit heavy offer a completely different feeling compared to when you visit tourist attractions on foot.

A program for running beginners has also been prepared. Professional coaches will join to help participants pace themselves and maintain proper running posture.

◇ Gwangmyeong Cave Cool Down Run

On October 9, you can experience Gwangmyeong Cave and the four major mountain trails of Gwangmyeong City all at once.

If you step into Gwangmyeong Cave after running through mountain paths, a completely different landscape from the outside unfolds. It is a course where you physically experience Gwangmyeong's unique topography, where nature and industrial heritage meet.

While you run, a professional photographer will accompany you to take pictures of the participants. Photos featuring the autumn mountain ridges and Gwangmyeong Cave as a backdrop are another highlight of this course.

◇ Pocheon Hantan River Geotrail Run

Let's head to the Pocheon Hantan River on October 18.

This is an exotic trail running course where you run along the columnar joints and cliffs of the Hantan River, designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Unlike running on asphalt, you step directly on undulating terrain to closely encounter the geological landscape of the Hantan River.

Since it is a trail run, personal equipment is also important. Participants must personally prepare individual gear such as running shoes and appropriate running attire.

◇ Chupseok Chokmatgol Uphill Interval

If you want to spend your holiday morning differently without traveling far, there is also a program held at Chokmatgol Ecological Park in Surisan, Gunpo.

The moment you encounter an uphill slope, your breathing grows rough and your legs feel heavy. However, a cool downhill slope and autumn breeze await you right after a short sprint to the top.

'Chupseok Chokmatgol Uphill Interval' is a program where you run by repeating uphills and downhills. It is conducted by dividing participants into groups based on their skill levels, from beginners to advanced runners.

It starts at 8:00 AM on September 26 at the main gate of Chokmatgol Ecological Park. It is a method of repeating uphill sprints and downhill recoveries, going back and forth across a 200m section of the Chokmatgol road.

If you want to spend a unique holiday running Surisan Mountain on a crisp autumn morning, it is worth a challenge.

◇ Yangju Cheonilhong Autumn Festa Marathon

If you set out to see autumn flowers and want to move your body a bit more, heading to Yangju is also a great option.

On October 5, the '2026 Yangju Cheonilhong Autumn Festa Linked Marathon Race' will be held in Yangju. Accommodating up to 3,000 participants, registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis until September 28.

In addition to the marathon course, a 3km walking course has been prepared. In particular, the 3km course allows participants to join with their dogs, making it hassle-free for those who want to casually enjoy autumn rather than compete for records.

Former national track and field athlete Im Chun-ae will join this competition.

If you are just starting out with running, you don't necessarily have to run a long distance. After looking around the autumn festival, taking a slow walk over a short distance to leisurely enjoy the scenery of Yangju blooming with Cheonilhong (globe amaranths) is also one good approach.

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