Yonhap Hanam Int'l Trail Running Festival to launch in Dec.

The inaugural Yonhap Hanam International Trail Running Festival, co-hosted by Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's premier news agency, will commence in December 2023 in Hanam, located approximately 20 kilometers east of Seoul, organizers declared on Wednesday. The event's groundwork formally commenced on Tuesday at Korea National Sport University in Seoul after a launch ceremony held on the same day.

For the 2026 edition, South Korean Olympic marathon champion Hwang Young-jo oversaw the conceptualization of two trail running courses: one covering 15 km and another spanning 28 km. Runners will embark from Misa Boat Race Park, a scenic and waterfront landmark in Hanam, traverse riverside paths, ascend the well-known Mount Geomdan, and conclude their journey at the UNESCO World Heritage site Namhan Mountain Fortress, which marks the fortress's 400th anniversary of construction this year.

Additionally, two shorter courses of 5 km and 10 km have been prepared for novice runners and families to enjoy, located on flat terrain around Misa Boat Race Park. The organizing committee announced the imminent unveiling of an official website and the commencement of participant applications. The festival is a collaborative venture between Yonhap News Agency, Korea National Sport University, Hanam city government, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Notable attendees of the launch ceremony included Yonhap News Agency president and CEO Hwang Dae-il, along with local government and sports officials. Hwang praised the event in his congratulatory address, expressing confidence that this trail running festival would become a world-class sporting event lauded by runners globally, and Yonhap News Agency committed to delivering extensive coverage both domestically and internationally to ensure its enduring success.