"I Want to Run Until 80" Ahn Cheol-soo Completes Chuncheon Marathon Full Course

Completed Marathon in 4 Hours 33 Minutes 04 Seconds
Wife Professor Kim Mi-kyung Also Ran Together

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo silenced the 'health controversy' regarding heart issues raised by some by completing the Chuncheon Marathon full course (42.195 km).

On the 29th, Ahn, who participated in the Chuncheon Marathon full course held in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, finished with a time of 4 hours 33 minutes 04 seconds. Ahn began running seriously in August 2016, following his daughter Seol-hee (34). To prepare for this Chuncheon Marathon, he woke up early 2 to 3 times a week for two months and ran 20 km in his constituency, Takhyeon, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, completed the Chuncheon Marathon. The photo shows Ahn participating in the Seoul Marathon last March.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In an interview with Chosun Ilbo, Ahn said that marathon running is a sport where both mental strength and physical stamina can be proven in a short time, adding, "Marathon is like life. Because you never know what will happen during the long journey ahead. Winning the battle against oneself is the most important thing in a marathon."

He continued, "I returned not long ago from the overseas audit of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, so I paced myself to about 4 hours and 30 minutes," and said, "The Berlin Marathon runs between ancient castles, and the New York Marathon runs inside the city. In contrast, the Chuncheon Marathon is nature-friendly, with scenic views like Uiam Lake and autumn foliage. It is the best course I have ever run."

While running the full course, Ahn shook hands with several other runners multiple times and said, "It is a good thing that people recognize me and approach me," adding, "It is not burdensome at all."

Ahn stated, "Politicians who receive salaries from the people's taxes have an obligation to manage their physical and mental health well," and expressed his ambition, saying, "If possible, I want to run marathons until I am 80 years old. Next year, I will challenge myself to improve my record."

Meanwhile, on the same day, Ahn's wife, Professor Kim Mi-kyung of Seoul National University, also completed the full course together, finishing with a time of 5 hours 35 minutes 05 seconds.