Kakao Bank Successfully Concludes Eco-Friendly Charity Marathon 'Save Race 2025'

Over 5,000 Participants
All Entry Fees Donated to UNICEF

Yoon Hoyoung, CEO of Kakao Bank (right), and Cho Mijin, Secretary General of the UNICEF Korea Committee (left), are attending the donation ceremony for 'Save Race 2025' held on the 9th at World Cup Park in Sangam, Seoul, posing for a commemorative photo. Kakao Bank

Kakao Bank announced on November 10 that it had successfully concluded the eco-friendly donation marathon 'Save Race 2025', which was held in collaboration with the UNICEF Korea Committee on November 9.

This year marked the second edition of the event, with a total of 5,000 participants running a round-trip 10-kilometer course from World Cup Park in Sangam, Seoul to Gayang Bridge.

'Save Race' is a leading eco-friendly marathon event in Korea that combines environmental protection and charitable giving. The finisher medals were made from recycled plastic waste, and all participant gifts-including Chunsik keyrings, T-shirts, eco-bags, sports towels, running gloves, and headbands-were produced using eco-friendly materials. On-site, reusable cups and water stations were provided, and all PET bottles and cans were collected for recycling, further emphasizing the event’s eco-friendly mission. To raise participants’ awareness of environmental issues, a quiz event was also held, introducing practical eco-friendly activities that can be incorporated into daily life.

This year, the number of participants was expanded to 5,000. In particular, group registration was made available for “Group Account” customers, and a “Group Account Photo Zone” was set up to allow members to enjoy the event together. Minho of the group SHINee also joined the marathon, supporting the response to the climate crisis and the next generation.

Kakao Bank also set up a “Financial Safety Center” booth. Participants learned about various types of financial fraud and how to prevent them through interactive programs such as shooting games and OX quizzes, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Park Jiyoon (30), an office worker who participated in the event, shared, “It was meaningful to be able to enjoy my hobby of running while making a donation, so I joined with my running group, who use the Group Account. The event made me reflect on the importance of environmental protection, and the financial fraud prevention experience at the Kakao Bank booth was also very informative.”

On the same day, Kakao Bank held a donation ceremony, presenting all participation fees contributed by participants to UNICEF. Previously, in July, Kakao Bank signed an agreement with UNICEF to donate 1 million dollars (approximately 1.3 billion won) annually for two years. This donation will be used to support climate crisis response and child welfare projects in East Asian regions such as Indonesia and Thailand.

Kakao Bank stated, “‘Save Race’ is Kakao Bank’s flagship social contribution campaign, fostering a culture of giving and building a sustainable future together with participants. We will continue to strengthen ESG management by implementing various eco-friendly activities in which customers and partners can participate together.”