Is There Really a 'Non-Face-to-Face' Marathon? Held in Busan on the 23rd

Save the Children Hosts International Children's Marathon... OK with 'GPS-based App' and 'Proof Photos'!

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Marathon races have now entered the era of 'non-face-to-face competitions.'

How do you conduct a marathon, which traditionally involved gathering in a specific location to compete, in a non-face-to-face format? It doesn't matter whether indoors or outdoors. Participants run a self-determined distance and send a verification photo.

From October 23 to October 25, Busan City, Save the Children, and Yonhap News Agency will jointly host, with Save the Children organizing, the '2020 Non-Face-to-Face International Children's Marathon.'

The International Children's Marathon, under the slogan "Just by running, you can save children worldwide," will have about 2,000 families participating with children.

Participants run a 4 km marathon course of their own choosing, indoors or outdoors, and verify completion of the run. Completion verification is done by taking a total of four photos using a GPS-based dedicated app that sounds an alarm every 1 km.

The 2019 event was held at a specific location, Samnak Ecological Park, but this year, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it has been converted into a self-directed course completion program.

All participants will also receive a 'Children's Rights Experience Book' and a 'Deform Block Kit,' which children can safely enjoy at home during COVID-19, in addition to the marathon program.

The participation fee is 10,000 KRW per person, and all proceeds will be donated to Save the Children to be used for various 'domestic and international child support projects.'

Byun Sung-wan, Acting Mayor of Busan, said, "In an era where social distancing has become routine due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, this is a meaningful event where families, including children, can build physical strength and simultaneously participate in sharing and donations to help children."