Recruitment Begins for DMZ OPEN Peace Walking and Marathon
Experience the DMZ's Unique Nature and History
Walk and Run Inside the Civilian Control Zone
Gyeonggi Province announced on August 25 that it is now recruiting participants for the 'DMZ OPEN Peace Walking and Marathon,' an event where people can walk and run throughout the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) area and experience the peace, ecological, and historical values of the DMZ. Recruitment for the 'DMZ OPEN Peace Marathon' will begin on August 26, while registration for the 'DMZ OPEN Peace Walking' has been ongoing since August 1.
The 'DMZ OPEN Peace Walking' event will take place on November 1 in the Imjingak area of Paju. Through this walking event, participants will have the opportunity to walk along the Imjingang River Ecological Trail, which is located within the civilian control zone. There are two courses available: the standard course (9.1 km) and the short course (6 km). Along the route, participants can enjoy a variety of events, including peace messages, an AI photo zone featuring independence activists, and musical performances.
The 'DMZ OPEN Peace Marathon' will be held on November 2, starting from Imjingak, passing through the Unification Bridge, and returning to Imjingak. The marathon is divided into a half course (21 km) and a 10 km segment. Participants will have the unique experience of running beyond the Unification Bridge into the northern area of the Civilian Control Line.
This year, a new obstacle race will be introduced as a side event. The obstacle race will be held over two days, from November 1 to 2. Participants who complete all 15 obstacles over a 1.2 km course will receive a commemorative medal. Anyone who enjoys adventure and challenge (aged 14 and older) is eligible to participate.
In addition, a variety of activities are planned to enhance the experience for participants beyond the marathon, including an augmented reality (AR) stamp tour, a small-scale basketball tournament at the former U.S. military base Camp Greaves, ecological and environmental field experiences along the Peace Nuri Trail, and an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of Liberation.
The participation fee for the 'DMZ Peace Walking' event is 12,000 won, regardless of course (6 km or 9.1 km). The registration fee for the 'DMZ Peace Marathon' is 35,000 won for the half course and 30,000 won for the 10 km segment. The obstacle race registration fee is 25,000 won. All participants will receive commemorative gifts.
Those wishing to participate in the Peace Walking or Peace Marathon can apply and register online through the DMZ Peace Walking website and the DMZ Peace Marathon & Race website. Registration will be open until the end of September; however, participation is limited to 1,500 for the walking event, 3,500 for the marathon, and 3,300 for the obstacle race, so registration may close early once capacity is reached.
Park Mijeong, Director of the DMZ Policy Division at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The DMZ OPEN Peace Walking and Marathon is more than just a walking or running event. It will serve as a venue where participants can directly experience the unique nature and history of the DMZ, including ecological experiences along the Peace Nuri Trail. We have prepared new programs such as the obstacle race and AR stamp tour so that everyone can enjoy a fun challenge and create special memories with family and friends."
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