Chosunilbo Chunchon Int'l Marathon

The Chosun Ilbo Chuncheon Marathon is an annual marathon which is held in late October. It is the second largest marathon race in Korea after Seoul Marathon. The cut-off for FM is 6hrs & HM is 2.5hrs. Most of the race packs are sent to local addressees but foreign runners can collect them at the Information Counter of the Marathon Village or on the Race Day. The start & finish were at Gongjicheon Park Stadium this year, 2019. The baggage deposit was orderly, well-organized & according to race numbers. The atmosphere was chilly & salubrious at the start with enthusiastic runners & supporters. The mood was cheerful, exciting & ebullient. The weather was perfect throughout the run with Temp ranging 5-18°C. The course brought runners out of the city into the autumn splendor of the Korean countryside. We ran along river banks, hugging a scenic & tranquil reservoir, and towards a majestic dam. Distance markers were clearly & accurately placed, and there were water, ISO & first aid stations every 5km. There were also chocolate buns/banana stands, & sponge stations, but a noticeable absence of GU/sports gel distributed. Cheer support was energetic, warm & lively; and there were several musical percussion groups in their colorful traditional costumes to encourage runners. I ran the full marathon. After 28km, there were some volunteers with anti-cramping sprays & arthritis gel. There was even a big tent at 35km for tired runners to lie down and get a massage! I would run this marathon again, and recommend Chuncheon which has her own speciality food cuisine. This small city is 1hr 15mins from Seoul by ITX train. There's also a direct intercity bus that takes you from Chuncheon to Incheon Airport in 2½ hrs. Go for their signature Dakgalbi spicy stir-fried chicken & Mak-guksu buckwheat noodles at the Myeong-dong after the marathon. Learn some Korean or carry the Papago App when you're there.