Four Days Until the 29th: Over 1,000 Athletes from 31 Countries
Korea's Only Full-Course Triathlon... Kim Donghyun Also Takes on the Challenge
The Korea Triathlon Federation is hosting the '2025 Ironman Gurye Korea Competition' (2025 IRONMAN GURYE KOREA), supported by Jeollanam-do Province, Gurye County, and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. The event will be held over four days in the Gurye area, running until the 29th.
According to Gurye County on the 26th, this year's competition will feature around 1,000 athletes from 31 countries worldwide. To ensure the successful operation of the event, approximately 700 volunteers and 630 event staff, totaling about 1,300 people, will be on-site.
The 2025 Ironman Gurye Korea is the only full-course triathlon in Korea, requiring participants to complete swimming (3.8km), cycling (180km), and marathon running (42.2km) in sequence, covering a total of 226km within 17 hours. Top finishers among those who complete the race will be granted entry to the 2026 Ironman World Championship.
On the 26th and 27th, athlete registration and race kit distribution will take place at Gurye Public Stadium. On the 28th, official swim training and bike check-in will be held at Jirisan Lake Park. The main race will begin at 7 a.m. on the 28th with the swim, followed by cycling and marathon events, all to be completed within 17 hours.
In particular, mixed martial artist Kim Donghyun has drawn attention by announcing his participation in the competition. Recently gaining popularity through variety shows such as 'Iron Girls,' he revealed his intention to take on the Ironman challenge by posting on his personal social media (including Instagram) that he had registered for the event.
Meanwhile, on race day, the 28th, Gurye County and the Gurye Police Station will coordinate to control traffic along various sections to ensure smooth proceedings. Visitors heading to Cheoneunsa Temple in Gurye should detour toward Hwaeomsa Temple, while tourists visiting Saseongam Hermitage should take the route toward Donghae Village in Gurye District.
County Governor Kim Sunho stated, "With about 300 more participants than last year, we are prioritizing the safety of both athletes and residents." He added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that this event helps Gurye become Korea's leading sports tourism destination and the number one city where people want to stay."
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