Contestants to run course that includes Paju Imjingak Pavilion, Pyeonghoa-nuri, Inter-Korean Transit Office, and Unification daegyo Bridge on October 9
Gyeonggi Province is accepting applications for this autumn’s 2016 Peaceful Unification Marathon scheduled until September 9. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News
Gyeonggi Province is accepting applications for this autumn’s 2016 Peaceful Unification Marathon until September 9.
Hosted by Gyeonggi Province and supervised by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, the Peaceful Unification Marathon will enable contestants to run through part of the DMZ, an area that is normally off limits for civilians. In this way, the event seeks to convey the desire for peaceful unification as well as to broadly promote a message of freedom and peace.
This year’s event will take place on October 9 at Paju Imjingak Pavilion Pyeonghoa-nuri and the surrounding area. More than 10,000 marathoners are expected join the event. Last year, 9,758 contestants from all walks of life including marathon enthusiasts and non-Korean nationals as well as American and Korean military personnel took part in the event.
The starting point of the marathon is at Imjingak Pavilion Pyeonghoa-nuri for a full, half, 10km, and 6km courses. The full course (42.195km) runs toward Ribbygyo Bridge Intersection, CIQ; the half course (21.0975km) turns at Yeougogae Intersection, CIQ; the 10km course turns at Gunnae 3-way intersection; and the 6km course turns at the north gate of Unification Bridge.
Apart from running, the event will feature performances by famous singers as well as military bands and cheerleading teams. A wide variety of additional events such as a ‘ribbon race of hope’, face painting, massage, traditional knot tying, and caricature drawing sessions will be offered during the competition. Additionally, all participants will receive a medal for completing the race, as well as a certificate and small souvenir. Those who record a competitive time will receive a certificate of merit, a trophy, and an additional prize.
Applications to participate can be submitted through the official website of the Peaceful Unification Marathon until September 9. There are participation fees of KRW 40,000 for the full course, KRW 35,000 for the half course and 10km course, and KRW 30,000 for the 6km course.
Gyeonggi Province’s Balanced Development Planning Assistant Governor Park Jeong-ran said, “This event will be an opportunity to reflect on the pain of division, the importance of peaceful unification, and the value of the DMZ.”Park continued, “We look forward to the unstinting interest and participation of those who desire peacefulunification.”
