The '2025 UiiT (Ulleungdo Island International Trail) Ulleungdo International Trail Running Competition,' held in the Haedam-gil area of Ulleungdo, concluded successfully.
This event was hosted by Ulleung County and organized by Outdoor Sports Korea (OSK), as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's 'K-Tourism Island Development Project.'
A total of approximately 300 participants (250 athletes, 30 companions, and 40 staff members) from both Korea and abroad competed in an intense race amid Ulleungdo's unique terrain and scenery.
The participation tickets sold out within just 10 minutes of opening, reflecting high interest in the event. The competition's excitement was further heightened by the participation of 14 international athletes invited from eight countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan, as well as Kim Jiseop, a top domestic trail runner affiliated with The North Face.
The race course started at the Taeha Public Stadium in Ulleung County and covered a total distance of 40 km, passing through Hyunpo Observatory, Gittaebong, Nari Basin, Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory, Seonginbong, and ending at Daea Resort. The race, held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with an 11-hour time limit, was praised as a course where participants could fully experience Ulleungdo's beautiful nature and the rugged terrain characteristic of a volcanic island.
This event went beyond a simple sports competition, serving as an international sports event that combined trail running and eco-tourism, and provided an opportunity to showcase Ulleungdo's natural beauty and appeal to the world. Participants were able to experience Ulleungdo and its surrounding areas more deeply through package travel products that included ferry tickets and accommodation, as well as an optional tour program to Dokdo.
Thanks to the active cooperation of local businesses, the Ulleung Mountaineering Association, and related organizations, the event concluded without a single safety incident.
County Governor Nam Hankwon stated, "I am deeply pleased that many people were able to experience the beauty of Ulleungdo firsthand and share in the healthy challenge that trail running represents through this international competition. We will continue to discover differentiated tourism assets by utilizing Ulleungdo's unique natural resources and strive to grow as a sustainable international sports tourism city."
Trail running is a sport in which participants run along mountain paths, forest trails, and unpaved roads, traversing a variety of natural terrains and elevations. Through this event, participants were able to connect with the beautiful nature of the Haedam-gil area of Ulleungdo.
OSK (Outdoor Sports Korea), the organizer of the event, explained that Ulleungdo's unique volcanic terrain and natural scenery provide excellent conditions for trail running. They also emphasized that this competition was particularly meaningful because it was registered as an international race offering certification points, giving multinational participants the opportunity to experience Ulleungdo.
With this event, Ulleung County has further strengthened its brand value as a 'premium tourist island where natural scenery and leisure sports are harmoniously combined.' The county plans to continue hosting sustainable outdoor events based on Ulleungdo's unique natural resources, thereby further enhancing its competitiveness in the global tourism market.
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