Songpa-gu, Lotte Department Store to Host '2026 Style Run' Urban Running Festival Sept. 1

Songpa-gu in Seoul will co-host "2026 Style Run," an urban running festival, with Lotte Department Store on Oct. 18.

The race will take place around Lotte World Tower in Jamsil and Seokchon Lake, with registration opening Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Now in its eighth year, Style Run has become a signature autumn running event held annually in the Jamsil area. Reflecting the growing popularity of running as an everyday activity, organizers have expanded the field to 7,000 participants this year — 1,000 more than last year.

Runners can choose between 5 km and 10 km courses, both starting from the lawn plaza at Lotte World Tower World Park and looping around Seokchon Lake and Songpa-daero. Participants will run against a backdrop of autumn foliage and city skyline, taking in some of Songpa's best-known landmarks along the way.

Every participant will receive a running kit co-developed with fashion brand Zara Athletics. The eight-piece set includes a T-shirt, running cap, socks, bag and bandana — all bearing the Style Run logo — along with a knee brace, water bottle and massage ball.

In the three days leading up to the main race, a training competition called "Day Out," organized in partnership with global fitness brand F45, will run from Oct. 15 through Oct. 17. The mission-based format targets participants who want to combine running and strength training across the full four-day event.

Given the large crowds expected, organizers are placing a strong emphasis on safety. Traffic will be controlled along each course in coordination with the local police and fire departments, and safety marshals, emergency responders and medical personnel will be stationed throughout. Road closures and detour routes will be announced in advance to minimize disruption to residents.

Registration for the 2026 Style Run opens Tuesday at 10 a.m. on Lotte Department Store Mall (online) on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups for the pre-event Day Out competition — capped at 3,000 participants — will open Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at the same site.

Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said the district will continue developing programs that bring together local businesses, residents and visitors to enjoy health and culture at Songpa's landmark sites, with the goal of making Songpa a sports city for everyone.