Hwasun-gun Successfully Hosts the 8th Neoritjae Old Road Marathon

Passion for Running Unfolded on the Forest Trail

Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 5th that the 'Neoritjae Old Road Marathon' was successfully held around the Neoritjae Old Road area in Hwasun and Gwangju.

Sponsored by Hwasun-gun, the event took place on the 2nd with about 210 marathon enthusiasts participating. The marathon featured four categories along the Neoritjae Old Road connecting Hwasun to Gwangju: 8.5km, 16km, 25km, and a 25km relay (teams of three).

The opening ceremony held at the Neoritjae Old Road parking lot (Hwasun) was attended by Gu Bok-gyu, the governor of Hwasun-gun, Lim Taek, the mayor of Dong-gu, Shin Jeong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly, and Ha Seong-dong, chairman of the Hwasun County Council.

Despite intermittent rain showers during the early morning marathon, the passion of the marathon participants kept the event vibrant and energetic.

In his congratulatory speech, Governor Gu Bok-gyu said, “Neoritjae is a strategic point connecting Hwasun and Gwangju, and I am very pleased to hold a marathon that promotes the historical value and natural beauty of the Neoritjae Old Road nationwide.”

He added, “We will continue to develop the Neoritjae Old Road, including creating a barefoot walking course, and strive to provide marathon enthusiasts with a better environment to enjoy running.”