Held Quietly in Mourning for Wildfire Victims
The 24th Hapcheon Cherry Blossom Marathon, hosted by Hapcheon County and organized by the Hapcheon County Sports Council, was held in a calm and restrained atmosphere on March 30 at the Hapcheon Public Stadium and along the Hapcheon 100-ri Cherry Blossom Marathon Course.
This year’s event set a new record for the highest number of applicants, with a total of 13,207 people registering, and, for the first time ever, registration closed early. The number of participants in courses of 10km or longer increased by 88% compared to the previous year, and the proportion of participants from outside the region rose by 57% year-on-year.
However, due to the recent large-scale wildfires occurring nationwide, the event was significantly scaled down. In consideration of the victims of the wildfires and public sentiment, Hapcheon County canceled all scheduled side events such as fireworks, congratulatory performances, and face painting, simplifying the event into a purely athletic competition. As a result, the actual number of participants was estimated at about 12,000.
During the opening ceremony, a moment of silence was held for the wildfire victims, and Hapcheon County Sports Council President Yoo Dalhyeong and the vice presidents delivered a donation of 5 million KRW for wildfire recovery efforts, expressing their condolences to the victims.
From 9:30 a.m., runners in the full course, half course, 10km, and 5km categories began their races, and the event, which started solemnly, concluded passionately with no major safety incidents.
Yoo Dalhyeong, President of the Hapcheon County Sports Council, stated, “I offer my deepest condolences and sympathy to those affected by the wildfires,” and added, “I hope the passion of all marathon participants becomes a message of support for the recovery of wildfire victims and the restoration of their daily lives.”
On this day, the following participants won honors in their respective categories: ▶10km Men’s Youth Division: Lim Seongjin; Men’s Adult Division: Jeong Hyeonho; Men’s Senior Division: Chae Seungpil ▶10km Women’s Youth Division: Lim Eunhye; Women’s Adult Division: Jeong Sunja ▶Half Course Men’s Under 30 Division: Park Hongseok; 40s: Park Hyeonjun; 50s: Seo Minbo; 60 and over: Kim Hyeongrak ▶Half Course Women’s Youth Division: Jeon Hyeji; Women’s Adult Division: Ryu Seunghwa ▶Full Course Men’s Under 30 Division: Lee Jonghyeon; 40s: Jo Uwon; 50s: Choi Jinsu; 60 and over: Kang Ho ▶Full Course Women’s Youth Division: Jeong Myeonggyo; Women’s Adult Division: Lee Yeonga ▶Full Course Team Competition: Gimhae Sports Complex Team. Each took home the honor of winning their respective categories.
Additionally, ▶Youngest Participant Award: Choi Unsan (born 2017), ▶Gangwonjo (Silver Star) Award: 10km Division Kim Seongil (born 1942), Half Course Division Park Seongjae (born 1942), Full Course Division Kim Guung (born 1945).
County Mayor Kim Yuncheol stated, “In the midst of the nationwide wildfire crisis, we minimized unnecessary side events and focused on the true meaning of the marathon, holding the event quietly,” and added, “I deeply appreciate the cooperation of participants and residents, and will continue to prioritize safety and order to create an even more substantial event in the future.”
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