The 2026 Jeonju World Inline Marathon, co-hosted by World Skate and the Korea Roller Sports Federation, will be held Sunday starting at 8 a.m. along an 11-kilometer course connecting the former Jeonju Comprehensive Stadium and Jeonju World Cup Stadium, drawing a large field of world-class competitors.
Now in its 21st edition, the event has been elevated to an official World Skate marathon tour event after the international governing body recognized the race's two-decade history, role and standing. It also serves as the final round of the 2026 World Skate Marathon Tour, adding further significance to this year's edition.
As the final round of the 2026 World Skate Marathon Tour, the race will bring together 150 world-class skaters from 23 countries — including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, Taiwan and Japan — alongside South Korea's national team athletes. The field includes defending champion Felix Richnen and podium finishers from tour stops in Shanghai, Pamplona, Naples and Asunción. Competitors will vie not only for the race title but also for the 2026 world inline marathon championship.
The central question heading into the event is who will emerge as the overall champion. International skaters will look to leverage the tour points they have accumulated to clinch the championship title, while South Korean athletes will push hard against the overseas contingent in pursuit of a podium finish.
Registration, open from Aug. 24 to Oct. 9, drew more than 3,000 entrants across several categories: the 42-kilometer open division, the 21-kilometer competitive divisions for youth, adults, seniors and club groups, the 6-kilometer elementary school competitive division, and a 6-kilometer non-competitive division. Participation by both general entrants and registered athletes rose, buoyed by the event's status as an official World Skate marathon tour race and the Korea Roller Sports Federation's policy of awarding national team selection points. Volunteer recruitment to support smooth race operations was also completed alongside the registration period.
Korea Roller Sports Federation Chairman Kim Gyeong-seok said the event, recognized by the international federation for its 20-year history, presents "a great opportunity to showcase the true value of the Jeonju World Inline Marathon to the world," adding that he looks forward to seeing South Korean athletes compete brilliantly against their international rivals and stand on the podium. "We will continue working to establish the Jeonju World Inline Marathon as a globally popular and uniquely distinctive inline marathon event," Kim said.
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