Event celebrates a decade since the provincial office relocation, drawing runners nationwide to a scenic course blending urban and nature elements.

ANDONG — The Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government New Town buzzed with energy on Sunday as roughly 2,600 running enthusiasts gathered to participate in the 2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government New Town Marathon.

Hosted around the Millennium Forest area of the provincial office, the race marked a milestone: the 10th anniversary of the provincial office's relocation to the region. Organizers designed the event to spotlight the area's pleasant residential environment and natural landscapes while encouraging public health and active community engagement.

The competition featured three distinct categories: 469 runners tackled the half-marathon, 1,223 took on the 10-kilometer race, and 927 participated in the 5-kilometer course. Runners took over the city's main thoroughfares, treating themselves to a vibrant autumn backdrop where modern urban architecture met open natural scenery.

Local involvement was strong, with 792 residents from the new town joining the action—including 612 from Homyeong-eup and 180 from Pungcheon-myeon. Running alongside families, colleagues, and running clubs, locals and visitors from across South Korea connected through sport.

Geographic turnout included 2,019 participants from Gyeongsangbuk-do, 457 from Daegu, and numerous others traveling from Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, Chungbuk, and Seoul. A total of 707 runners registered as part of groups, featuring 95 small family or peer-group teams ranging from two to seven members.

For local residents, familiar neighborhood streets offered a fresh perspective, while out-of-town visitors experienced firsthand the unique charm of a newly built administrative hub nestled alongside nature.

To guarantee participant safety, provincial authorities coordinated closely with local police and medical teams. Traffic management personnel, traffic safety volunteers, and athletics officials were stationed at key intersections to maintain order and minimize disruption. Emergency medical stations and various food and convenience booths were also operated on-site to ensure a smooth, secure experience for all attendees.

Reflecting on the successful turnout, Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Chul-woo expressed gratitude to the runners who traveled from all over the country. He noted that the commemorative race served not only as a celebration of health and unity, but also as a meaningful platform to showcase the vibrant appeal of the provincial capital's new home.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]