{
  "id": 15984944,
  "title": "Nat'l train run chief says Yonhap's trail run event will further boost sport",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/natl-train-run-chief-says-yonhaps-trail-run-event-will-further-boost",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T01:53:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261022003600315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Park Gil-soo, the president of the Korea Trail Running Association (KTRA), expresses confidence that an upcoming international trail run event hosted by Yonhap News Agency will significantly boost the sport. The KTRA is already establishing itself as an industry, and this event will further propel its growth, according to Park.\n\nThe Yonhap News Hanam International Trail Run Festival will take place on December 12th and 13th, featuring four different course lengths ranging from 5 kilometers to 28 kilometers. The event is set to be held across various locations in Hanam, including Misa Regatta Park and Mount Geomdan.\n\nPark highlights the significance of the event being held in Seoul, a major advantage for the festival. Government support is another key factor that distinguishes this event from others. The Yonhap News Agency, Korea National Sport University, and the Hanam city government are co-hosting the event, backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, making it the first trail run event to receive government support.\n\nPark emphasizes the opportunity for runners to experience Hanam's natural surroundings, history, and culture through the diverse course options. The 15km trail run course, in particular, offers beautiful views of the Han River and is suitable for beginners. The 28km course takes participants up to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Namhansanseong, providing a scenic route.\n\nAn avid runner himself, Park started his journey with marathon running before transitioning to ultramarathon events. He helped found the Korea Ultramarathon Federation in 2001 and represented the Asia-Oceania region at the International Association of Ultrarunners. His passion for trail running led him to establish the KTRA in 2015.\n\nPark believes that trail running is gaining traction as an industry, with growing participation among young athletes and hikers. This inaugural event in the Seoul metropolitan area will play a crucial role in expanding the base of trail running in the country. Park encourages runners to embrace nature during their races and promises a rewarding experience, noting that finishing the race brings a tremendous sense of accomplishment.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- The head of the national trail run governing body bel...",
  "key_points": [
    "Park Gil-soo, KTRA president, predicts international trail run event will boost sport.",
    "Yonhap News Hanam International Trail Run Festival scheduled for December 12th and 13th.",
    "Event receives government support, held in Seoul with diverse course options."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}