Safety takes backseat as marathons become cash cows in Korea

May 9, 2024

Marathons have been gaining popularity in Korea, with 354 races held last year. Their appeal stems from the accessibility of running as a sport, which requires little equipment.

However, some organizers are exploiting this popularity for profit, often compromising safety in the process. The lack of strict regulations allows such events to operate unchecked, raising concerns about participant safety.

On April 21, runners at the 21st Busan Marathon in Daejeo-dong voiced their frustrations. The event’s website received complaints about vehicles suddenly entering the race route, causing runners to scatter. KTimes