Chuncheon: The 2026 Chuncheon Yonhap Marathon will take place on Oct. 3, coinciding with the National Foundation Day, at the Elysian Gangchon resort and along the Bukhan River in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, as announced by organizers on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the annual marathon, which debuted last year, is co-hosted by South Korea's key newswire Yonhap News Agency and the Chuncheon City Athletics Federation. This event features three races: a half marathon (21 kilometers), a 10 km race, and a 5 km race. The marathon aims to establish itself as a leading running festival that unites runners from across the nation.

The event is jointly organized by ICT specialist company Thepict Inc. and the Korea Scout Association. Registration for the marathon will remain open until midnight on Aug. 31 through its official website, www.yonma.kr. Last year's marathon in Chuncheon drew approximately 10,000 people, including participants, families, and volunteers, to the city's Gangchon area, invigorating the local community.

Participants have expressed satisfaction with the picturesque course along the Bukhan River, which is seen as a major advantage that sets this marathon apart from others in different cities. The organizers are focused on revitalizing the local economy and injecting new energy into the city's old downtown area by attracting a large number of visitors to Gangchon.

Thepict Inc. intends to employ advanced ICT technologies for smart event management, incorporating AI-powered customer service and drone monitoring. Meanwhile, the Korea Scout Association will be responsible for ensuring course safety and managing volunteers.