Gyeongju international marathon draws record 20,000 runners from home and abroad

The Dong-A Ilbo 2026 Gyeongju International Marathon drew some 20,000 runners from South Korea and abroad to the ancient city of Gyeongju.

Gyeongju city officials said Sunday that the event, held Saturday at Gyeongju Civic Stadium and surrounding streets, concluded as the largest in the race's history.

Co-hosted by Gyeongju city and North Gyeongsang Province and organized by the Korea Athletics Federation and Dong-A Ilbo, the marathon featured 54 elite runners alongside roughly 20,000 Masters-category participants.

The race began at 8 a.m. on the road in front of Gyeongju Civic Stadium, with the course winding through the city center.

The Masters division was split into three categories — full marathon, half marathon and 10 kilometers — with participants pushing toward personal goals and celebrating their finishes together.

Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young, Gyeongju City Council Speaker Im Hwal, Korea Athletics Federation President Yuk Hyeon-pyo and Sports Donga CEO Park Hyeon-jin were among the dignitaries at the starting ceremony to cheer on the runners.

Award ceremonies for each category began at 9:30 a.m., starting with the 10-kilometer division and followed by the half marathon, elite and full marathon events.

"This record-breaking event has helped raise Gyeongju's international profile and strengthen its standing as a sports city," Mayor Ju said. "We will continue to attract international sporting events and develop synergies between sports and tourism to make Gyeongju a global sports destination that draws visitors from around the world."

Meanwhile, a woman in her 20s who was participating in the marathon collapsed and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to the North Gyeongsang Province fire department, a report came in around 10:50 a.m. Saturday that a participant identified only by her surname had lost consciousness. Firefighters transported her to a hospital after she showed symptoms including general weakness and high fever.