RUN COAST TO COAST
“One of the oldest marathons in South Korea, this year 2017 marks its 22nd year of bliss and glory”
There are a number of scenic beaches and nature’s lookouts as you run coast to coast in the 22nd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival. One of the oldest marathons in South Korea, this year 2017 marks its 22nd year of bliss and glory. The race aims to further develop into a valuable event where local residents and international marathoners can meld together and break down barriers to be united as one nation through sports. It is still spring when the race took place yet you can already feel the approaching summer heat from the energetic participants, enthusiastic organizers and cheerful spectators.
The starting point in Gujwa Life Sports Park was filled with booths, fun games for kids and people wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean dress). This marathon offered three run categories, the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km distance. In addition, the Coastal Road Walking category was made available for those who just want to feel the comforting and serene vibe of walking along the shore.
At the sound of the pistol, thousands of participants from across the globe started strong as they ran towards the Woljeong Beach, the turning point for 10km course. Woljeong-ri beach (Woljeong Beach) is known for its scenery, tranquil white sand, and beautiful emerald ocean. Near the beach, a stretch of cosy and beautiful cafes align the streets. From Woljeong Beach, runners raced towards Pyeongdae Handong Beach where the turning point for the Half Marathon course was.
Full marathoners will continue towards the small but tranquil Sehwa Beach and Hado Beach, where you can walk across lava stone to Rabbit Island at low tide. Runners also passed by the Hado Migrant Bird Habitat where thousands of migratory birds gather at the ecologically diverse sanctuary and where the river meets the ocean. Continuing from Migrant Bird Habitat is the turning point for Full Marathon, the Western Entrance of Jongdal-ri Coastal Road. Along the curving road is an observation platform in Jongdal-ri, made of an old ship from which you can see Udo Island and the magnificent Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Seongsan Sunrise Peak).
The race offered participants not only the obvious health benefits of running but the 22nd Jeju International Marathon Festival let runners witness the exceptional landscape and breath-taking scenery of Jeju.
Note: Some place in Korea has “–ri” on its name like “Woljeong-ri” and “Jongdal-ri”. In the Korean language, “-ri” means street.
