Before the spread of COVID-19, participants of the 'Daejeon Bare Body Marathon' proudly displayed their unique outfits and body paintings while taking commemorative photos. Photo by McKiss Company
[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The ‘Daejeon Bare Body Marathon,’ known as a unique festival to welcome the New Year, will resume after three years.
McKiss Company announced on the 2nd that the ‘Daejeon Bare Body Marathon’ will be held on January 1st next year at Mulbit Square in Daejeon Expo Science Park.
This event gathers the number ‘1,’ symbolizing a beginning, and starts every year at 11:11:11 AM on January 1st, where participants run 7 km along the Gapcheon River in Daejeon with bare bodies as a New Year’s celebration.
McKiss Company has been hosting the event since 2016. Participants from all over the country have gathered, making it a representative New Year’s event in Korea.
However, the event was not held in 2021 and 2022 due to the spread of COVID-19. The event next year will mark its resumption after three years.
In the race, men run topless, and women wear sleeveless tops while running the designated course.
Participants can express their individuality through body painting, symbolizing their New Year’s wishes and resolutions.
Especially, a special prize will be awarded to unique participants who enjoy the marathon with distinctive body painting and costumes.
Additionally, the marathon course follows the Gapcheon River in Daejeon, passing Expo Bridge, Yurim Park, and the riverside, blending nature and the cityscape. Participants can enjoy beautiful reed forests and clear waterways. The 7 km flat course is designed to be manageable even for marathon beginners, according to McKiss Company.
The organizers will recruit 2,023 participants on a first-come, first-served basis for next year’s event. Groups of 20 or more paying participants will be provided with a separate booth.
Moreover, events such as the ‘Funfun Classic’ performance with Lee Je-urin, Lee Je-urin Photo Studio (Life Four Cuts), Wish Wall (hanging wish messages), and free rice cake soup distribution will be held to avoid monotony in the event.
McKiss Company Chairman Cho Woong-rae said, “Since many people have waited a long time, we will do our best to prepare the event to meet expectations,” adding, “We hope participants can take care of their health with the Bare Body Marathon on the first day of the New Year and greet the New Year energetically with meaningful significance.”
Meanwhile, registration for the event is currently underway through the McKiss Company website.
The participation fee is 11,000 KRW, and those under 20 years old or born in 2004 or later are exempt from the fee next year.
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