2026 Chuncheon Yonhap Marathon kicks off along Bukhan River

CHUNCHEON, South Korea - The 2026 Chuncheon Yonhap Marathon commenced on Saturday, traversing the Elysian Gangchon resort and the adjacent Bukhan River in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, according to organizers. This inaugural event, organized by South Korea's principal wire service, Yonhap News Agency, in collaboration with the Chuncheon City Athletics Federation, consists of three race categories: half marathon (21 km), 10 km and 5 km.

The marathon's objective is to establish a premier running festival, uniting participants nationwide.

The primary objectives of the organizers are to rejuvenate the local economy and inject vitality into Chuncheon's historic downtown area by attracting a multitude of runners to visit and stay in the Gangchon region. Hwang Dae-il, the CEO and president of Yonhap News Agency, elucidated to event attendees that the marathon will contribute to revitalizing the area's commercial sector.

Furthermore, the event facilitated runners to participate in a marathon with the aid of artificial intelligence analysis, drones, and other advanced technologies. This was conveyed by Kim Jae-hong, the executive director responsible for marketing at Yonhap News Agency, during the opening remarks that were read by Hwang.