YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — The registration deadline is approaching for a series of road races in Seoul that have proven popular with foreigners in South Korea in its debut last year.
The Kangnam Marathon — actually comprised of a 5K race, 10K race, half-marathon and full marathon — takes place Oct. 3, with a starting point at the Seoul’s Jamsil Stadium.
This year, U.S. Forces Korea officials are offering all military, civilian and family members free transportation and race entry. Bus service from Yongsan Garrison to the stadium will be provided to pre-registered runners.
The regular entrance fee is 20,000 won (around $17).
Originally, said Capt. Steven Jung of the Community Relations office, a registration deadline of Tuesday had been set. In order to give more people the opportunity to hear about and sign up for the races, the deadline was extended to Sept. 22.
To register, Jung said, interested runners should find their unit point of contact for community relations or send a request through the chain of command. Failing that, runners can call the community relations office at DSN 723-4847.
According to Area II officials, more than 1,000 USFK personnel participated in last year’s races. Several finished high in the standings, and others won mountain bikes and other raffles prizes for participants.
Dubbing it the 2004 International Peace Marathon, organizers say they expect more than 10,000 participants. Around 8,000 of those runners will be South Korean, with the rest being international runners, organizers said.
For more information on the race or the projected course, go to www.gnsports.co.kr.
