[2023 Gyeonggi International Half-Marathon. Photo Credit to Min Hyuk Yoo]

The 2023 Gyeonggi International half-marathon, hosted by Gyeonggi news and KTFL (Korea Track & Field League), was held on February 26 2023, after 4 years of ‘no-show’ due to the impact of Covid 19. 

Under the supervision of GAAF (Gyeonggi Association of Athletics federation) and SAAF (Suwon Association of Athletics Federation), more than 5000 citizens and professionals gathered in the Main Stadium of the Suwon Sports Complex.

The Governor of Gyeonggi province, Kim Dong Yeon, highlighted the  importance of this event after 4 years of online marathons, and explained why holding this event gives a positive effect to Gyeonggi society as a congratulatory gesture.

4 professional athletes from Mongolia (Mohammed ZIANI, ODBAYAR BOLDOO, TSEVEENRAVDAN BYAMBAJAV) and Kenya (KIPLAGAT ISAAC KIMUTAI) were the invited players, and Shim Jong Sup (KEPCO), a member of the national team, and Park Minho, winner of Donga Marathon last year, also participated.

Plus, many marathon  self-employed organizations participated for various purposes. 

The event consisted of multiple events, including ones for primary/elementary school students, 5km for healthy running, 10km, and of course, the half marathon. 

Also, many stores and companies came to advertise their brand and products. The Korea Red Cross also came to provide education on the importance of CPR rescue, and an olympic medalist, Lee Bong Ju had a fan autographing session. 

People from a wide range of ages and backgrounds participated in this race: from those who enjoy running simply  as a healthy hobby, to those who have participated in these events for a long time. 

This event holds a significant meaning not only because it's the 10th international marathon held in Gyeonggi-do, but also because it is a sign of return to normality.

A female participant stated, “I participated in the 10km sector. I’m fulfilled with the fact that I finished the race. I felt that my son no longer needed my help, so while I was searching for something to do meanwhile, I came upon this. I  feel proud of myself since I've been running inside with a treadmill, and suddenly I’m running outside through the streets. While I was running, I even thought about giving up, but when I managed to finish, I really felt proud. If it happens again another time, I am willing to participate.”

Ahn Tae Guen, the Leader of SMRC,a track and field club, remarked, “I participated in the half-marathon. I am pleased about my personal record that I set this time. Actually, I like to participate in marathons all the time, and this time, I decided to experience it with my club members. And I am willing to participate in future marathons that will be held in Gyeonggi-do for the fact that it is near.”

Furthermore, this event not only affected Koreans, but foreigners as well. According to an American participant, he decided to participate because his Korean friend likes to do it, and would make for a good experience before leaving Korea.

As a result of the competition, the winner in the international half marathon was Park Min Ho (KOLON) for men, and Choi Kyung Sun (Chung-Cheong Buk do city hall) for women. 

Winner of Men’s Elite, Park Min Ho, set a new record of 1 hour 3 minutes 16 seconds for the Gyeonggi international half- marathon, beating the Kenyan and Mongolian athletes and winning first place for the international section. 

Currently, there are many in-person international marathon competitions like this scheduled.

Upcoming competitions will be held in Seoul, Daegu, Gunsan and Incheon, and are set to take place around late March to April.