Inaugural event draws large crowd; IP booths, character cheer squads and after-concert headline festivities
Kakao's inaugural running festival, KakaoFriends Run, wrapped up successfully Saturday, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to race alongside the company's characters.
Kakao said Wednesday that the event, held Saturday at Tancheon Sports Complex, drew about 10,000 runners from early in the morning. Participants set off on either a 10-kilometer or 5-kilometer course at the starting signal. Kakao CEO Jeong Shin-a also took part as a runner, completing the course alongside other participants.
KakaoFriends characters appeared throughout the venue. Large sculptures of Ryan and Chunsik greeted attendees at the entrance, while character cheer squads appeared at intervals along the route.
The event offered a range of attractions beyond the race itself. KakaoFriends IP booths and sponsor event booths were open to participants of all ages, and finisher medals drew particular attention. Character support panels lined the course, and near the finish line, performers in Ryan and Chunsik mascot costumes cheered on runners as they neared the end.
After the race, a prize giveaway and an after-concert rounded out the day, with singers John Park and RESCENE performing live.
"We are deeply grateful that so many people joined and enjoyed the inaugural KakaoFriends Run 2026 — far beyond our expectations," a Kakao official said. "We will continue to offer a variety of events through KakaoFriends that bring healthy and enjoyable experiences into everyday life."
The event also served as a showcase for Kakao's services, with AI-based offerings, KakaoMap, KakaoTalk Wallet digital cards and Kakao Together for Good integrated into the running experience to highlight key features.
sjpark@heraldcorp.com
