Running Along the Pohang Beach!... Over 10,000 Join Successful Unification Prayer Beach Marathon

Pohang's Iconic Beach Course: Songdo Beach, Yeongildae Beach, and Hwanho Sunrise Park
Over 10,000 Participants Demonstrate Nationwide Interest; Full Administrative Support Ensures Event Safety

With the vast ocean as a backdrop, more than 10,000 marathoners from across the country ran energetically along the beach roads of Pohang.

The 23rd Unification Prayer Pohang Beach Marathon was successfully held on the 27th, starting from Pohang Sports Complex. Photo by Pohang City

The 23rd Unification Prayer Pohang Beach Marathon was successfully held on the 27th, starting from Pohang Sports Complex.

This year's event was divided into half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km races for both general and disabled participants. The course crossed Pohang's iconic beaches, including Songdo Beach, Yeongildae Beach, and Hwanho Sunrise Park, offering runners the unique joy of "traveling while running."

In particular, this marathon has attracted attention from athletes since it received official certification from the Korea Association of Athletics Federations in 2023.

This year, the growing popularity of marathon events and the unique appeal of the beach course drew over 10,000 participants, demonstrating nationwide interest.

In the men's half marathon, Park Hyunjun (Daegu) took first place with a time of 1:11:24, while Jung Sunyeon (Daegu) won the women's division with a time of 1:23:25.

For the 10 km race, Jang Sungyeon (Uljin) won the men's division with 34:38, and Lim Eunhye (Daegu) won the women's division with 42:59. In the 5 km race, Jung Haehoon (Daegu) won the men's division with 16:25, and Park Gyobin (Pohang) won the women's division with 19:10. In the 5 km disabled division, Lee Sangtae (Pohang) took first place.

Over 10,000 Participants Successfully Complete the Unification Prayer Beach Marathon. Provided by Pohang City.

Pohang City mobilized all administrative resources to ensure the safety of the event, including crackdowns on illegal parking along the course and the deployment of ambulances. Related organizations such as the Pohang City Facilities Management Corporation, the police, and the fire department also cooperated closely.

In addition, the dedicated efforts of student volunteers from Sunrin University and members of local community organizations added to the enthusiasm on site.

An official from the marathon organizing office said, "The unique charm of the Pohang Beach Marathon has become widely known, and this year, more than 10,000 marathoners from all over the country participated. Next year, we will return with an even richer and more inspiring event."

Pohang Deputy Mayor Jang Sangkil expressed his gratitude by saying, "I would like to thank everyone who helped create special memories of running along the beach. I hope this event has become a festival that brings energy and inspiration to both citizens and participants."

Jointly hosted and organized by the Pohang City Council of the National Unification Advisory Council and the Pohang City Athletics Federation, this event is held every year on the fourth Sunday of April. The 24th marathon is scheduled to take place on April 26 next year.