Eumseong County has completed comprehensive on-site inspections of the entire course to ensure the successful operation of the 19th Ban Ki-moon Marathon, which is expected to be the largest event in its history. The county announced on April 23rd that thorough inspections of the marathon course were conducted to minimize inconvenience to residents and ensure a safe event ahead of the race on April 27th.
The county and the sports council conducted sequential inspections from April 20th to 23rd, starting from the full course turnaround point in Osaeng-ri, Saenggeuk-myeon, followed by the half course, 10km, and 4.2km sections. Particular attention was paid to traffic control zones, designated detour routes during control hours, measures to alleviate inconvenience for residents near the marathon course, and traffic control plans.
The county has been working closely with relevant agencies and social organizations, including the Eumseong Police Station, Eumseong Fire Station, and Volunteer Center, to prepare for the event. This includes arranging water stations and safety personnel, maintaining guide signs, painting lane markings, and clearing illegal advertisements.
A rehearsal was conducted to review the flow at the start and finish points, as well as key course sections. Safety measures, such as sports injury insurance for all participants and volunteers, and the preparation of medical vehicles, were also implemented.
Approximately 1,000 personnel, including public officials, police officers, exemplary drivers, and volunteers, will be deployed along the main marathon course on the day of the event. Street cheering, featuring traditional Korean music and percussion groups, will be provided at each course turnaround point to boost the morale of the runners and enhance the festive atmosphere.
County Mayor Cho Byeong-ok stated, "As the 19th Ban Ki-moon Marathon is a national event with over 13,000 participants, preventing safety accidents is paramount. The county will remain vigilant and make every effort to ensure a safe and successful event."
Initially, the event aimed to recruit 8,000 participants, but due to high interest from marathon runners nationwide, 12,045 people applied, leading to early registration closure a week ahead of schedule. The number of participants has increased by 42.3% compared to 8,463 in 2024. Notably, 78.9% of the participants are from outside Eumseong County, solidifying the event's status as a national competition.
The Ban Ki-moon Marathon is an annual event held in Eumseong County, South Korea, named after the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, who hails from the region. The event celebrates his contributions to global peace and development while promoting health and community spirit. The marathon features various race distances, including a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km), 10 km, and 4.2 km, catering to runners of all levels. The course winds through the scenic countryside of Eumseong, providing participants with a refreshing and challenging experience.
Eumseong County has been actively promoting the event, emphasizing the importance of safety and meticulous preparation. The local authorities have collaborated with various organizations to ensure smooth logistics, including traffic management, medical support, and volunteer coordination. The marathon not only attracts professional athletes but also encourages local residents and families to participate, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The event’s success underscores the growing popularity of marathon running in South Korea and the region’s ability to host large-scale sporting events. The county hopes that the marathon will continue to grow in popularity and contribute to the region’s tourism and economy.
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