BUYEO — The historic county of Buyeo recently welcomed more than 5,200 runners from all corners of the country for the 15th Buyeo Goodtrae Marathon.

Jointly organized by local and national athletic associations, the sports festival offered four distinct racing categories to accommodate athletes of varying experience levels: the full course, the half course, a 10-kilometer run, and a 5-kilometer run.

A major highlight of the day was the participation of legendary Korean marathoner Lee Bong-ju, who ran shoulder-to-shoulder with competitors in the 5km event, lifting participants' spirits and engaging directly with the crowd.

Runners navigated a scenic course starting near the Gudeurae Naru ferry landing, tracing a route along the Baengmagang River. Participants enjoyed late autumn views including local landmarks, vibrant foliage, and the historic Busosan Mountain before crossing the finish line.

Following the races, organizers held award ceremonies celebrating top finishers across different age divisions and distances, alongside special recognition for team categories such as the 10km pair run.

Local authorities emphasized safety throughout the weekend, stationing emergency medical staff, traffic volunteers, and police officers strategically along the route to ensure a smooth, accident-free event. Municipal leaders expressed hope that the successful turnout will continue to position Buyeo as a premier destination combining sports tourism with cultural heritage.

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