'NGU Run' brings together drug recovery community to mark World Drug Day

Civil society groups and drug recovery participants gather near the Tancheon stream in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on June 27 for a marathon event. NGU, the organizer, plans to use proceeds from the campaign to support the establishment of a specialized hospital for drug addiction treatment. Photo by Kim Do-yoon.

"I run because I want to be free from drugs" — NGU Run marathon strengthens resolve for recovery

NGU marathon rallies participants behind the 'No More Drugs' call

A marathon was held June 27 along the Tancheon stream in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to mark World Drug Day.

NGU (Never Give Up), a nonprofit dedicated to drug recovery, organized the event. Drug rehabilitation participants, concerned citizens and specialists completed a 6.26-kilometer course together.

Also taking part were Dabkok, a university student anti-drug group; Gyeonggi Provincial Mental Hospital; and Busan NA, a narcotics anonymous self-help group. The presence of community members alongside medical and recovery professionals added significance to the event as a show of collective support for addiction treatment and rehabilitation.

Nam Kyung-pil, head of NGU and a former Gyeonggi Province governor, said drug addiction prevention "does not begin with fear alone, but with a social culture that builds the value of a healthy life together." He called on more people to join the effort to create "a world free of drugs."

kido@heraldcorp.com