Seoul’s Gangseo-gu (Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon) has opened registration for the 4th Gangseo Heojun Run, set for Saturday, Oct. 10. First held in 2023, the Heojun Run has drawn more than 2,000 participants each year and has established itself as one of the district’s signature sporting events. This year’s fourth edition features a course that takes runners past the scenery of Seoul Botanic Park and the Han River, and when the race ends it flows directly into the Heojun Festival, the district’s marquee cultural event held during the same period — a pairing that draws attention for bringing together a local festival and community sports.
 [코리안투데이] The 3rd Heojun Run in 2025 © 송정숙 기자 |
The event is divided into three courses tailored to participants’ fitness levels and goals: a 10km course for those looking to test their endurance over a full distance, a more relaxed 5km course, and a 3km family run for the whole family to take part in together. Entry fees are set at 50,000 won for the 10km, 45,000 won for the 5km and 30,000 won for the 3km family run. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt designed to be worn in everyday life, a finisher’s medal and refreshments. The finisher’s medal has been a popular feature among past participants, reflecting an event that places more weight on the sense of accomplishment and the enjoyment of taking part than on competing for times.
Behind the Heojun Run’s rise to become Gangseo-gu’s flagship event in just four years is residents’ growing interest in everyday exercise such as walking and running. As running — which anyone can take up without special equipment or expense — has emerged as a leading community sport, the citizen marathons that local governments host are also shifting in character, from simple time trials into festival-style events where local residents come together. With its course along Seoul Botanic Park and the Han River, this year’s race is in step with that trend, letting runners experience local landmarks as they run through the city’s green spaces and along the river.
 [코리안투데이] The 3rd Heojun Run in 2025 © 송정숙 기자 |
“We are preparing the event with participants’ safety as our top priority,” Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said. “I hope this Heojun Run goes beyond a simple marathon to become a running festival where families, couples and friends create happy memories together.” Because the race is tied to the Heojun Festival, which runs from race day through the following day, Oct. 11, the district expects that runners who finish the course, along with visiting families, will be able to enjoy a range of attractions together at the festival grounds.
Applications can be submitted on the official Heojun Run website (www.강서허준런.com). However, as previous editions drew large crowds, registration could close early, so residents hoping to take part are advised to sign up soon. For details on event operations and the courses, inquiries can be directed to the Heojun Run organizing office (02-2600-6795) or to the Gangseo-gu Office’s Sports and Tourism Division (02-2600-6410).송정숙 기자 (gangseo@thekoreantoday.com)
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