Gwangju to Host Mudeungsan Geomarathon on October 11

Wishing for Revalidation of the UNESCO Global Geopark...
Hwasun and Damyang Area
Registration Opens on a First-Come, First-Served Basis Until May 27
1,450 Runners Including the "5.18 Course"

Poster of the 4th Mudeungsan Geomarathon. Provided by Gwangju City

The city of Gwangju announced on April 21 that, together with South Jeolla Province, Damyang County, and Hwasun County, it will host the "4th Mudeungsan Geomarathon" on October 11 in the Hwasun and Damyang areas to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the Mudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

This marathon event will mark the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democratization Movement, with 1,450 runners from across the country expected to participate, including 450 runners in the "5·18 Course." The marathon will feature a 30km course, a half marathon, a 10km course, a 5.18km course, and a 2km course. The race will start at 8:10 a.m. on the day of the event from the public parking lot in front of Hwasun Kumho Resort, pass through Inam Samgeori in Gasamunhak-myeon, Damyang, and return to Kumho Resort.

With the theme of "Wishing for Revalidation of the Mudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark," a new "Geo Trail 2km Walking Course" will be introduced, allowing participants to explore the Seoyuri Dinosaur Fossil Site. An educational course led by geo-interpreters will also be offered for parents and students.

Notably, this year's event will feature commentary from Yoon Yeochoon, Vice President of the Korea Association of Athletics Federations, and Robert Hudson, the promotional ambassador and winner of the 2023 Dong-A Masters and 2024 Geomarathon. Under the slogan "See, Run, and Enjoy," the event aims to foster a safe and healthy running environment where participants can appreciate, run through, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

The marathon will be broadcast live for three hours on terrestrial TV via Gwangju MBC and on YouTube. During the YouTube broadcast, local specialties such as Damyang Hangwa, Hwasun Oranda snacks, Gwangju rice balls, and eco-friendly rice from Jeonnam Nonghyup will be introduced.

Prize money for the event will be provided in the form of local gift certificates to help boost the regional economy. The "plogging campaign," which received positive feedback at last year's third event and involves staff and volunteers from the organizing committee, will be expanded to further promote a clean marathon. Registration for the marathon will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until May 27. Applications can be submitted through the official website of the 4th Mudeungsan Geomarathon.

Jung Hyunyun, Director of the Climate and Environment Bureau, stated, "This event will be a unique marathon that showcases the beautiful scenery of Mudeungsan and promotes the Mudeungsan Global Geopark. We hope that all participants will complete the marathon safely and in good health."