Table of Contents
- Full-scale Promotion of the First Internationally Certified Marathon in Busan
- Securing National Funding and Background for the 2026 Busan International Marathon
- Bridge Marathon Concept and Expected Course Configuration
- Viability of Full Course and Half Course Operations and International Certification Goals
- Expected Schedule and Traffic Measures for the 2026 Busan International Marathon
- Conclusion | International Sports Event Elevating Busan's Urban Brand
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Full-scale Promotion of the First Internationally Certified Marathon in Busan
The first internationally certified marathon in Busan is set to take place, generating much anticipation.
The city of Busan, selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's public offering project, is actively promoting the hosting of the 2026 Busan International Marathon in the second half of the year by securing national funding.
Especially with the announcement of the 'Bridge Marathon' concept, which includes various bridges like the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, interest among marathon runners nationwide is surging.
Securing National Funding and Background for the 2026 Busan International Marathon
The city of Busan has secured 460 million won in national funding after being selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's support project. Of this, 300 million won is planned to be used for the Busan International Marathon. This event carries significant meaning as it secures administrative procedures and budget as an official international event, beyond being a simple event.
Busan has already established a successful record of hosting large-scale urban sports events, having successfully held the 2025 Seven Bridges Tour bicycle race. This achievement is evaluated as contributing to attracting the international marathon event.
Bridge Marathon Concept and Expected Course Configuration
The main theme of the 2026 Busan International Marathon will be the Bridge Marathon. This event plans a course that emphasizes Busan's identity as a coastal city, centering on the route around the Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
Specifically, a route satisfying international certification standards is currently being discussed based on the marathon course from the 2025 National Sports Festival. This course is likely to include key components such as:
First, sections including maritime bridges such as the Gwangandaegyo Bridge; secondly, straight sections in urban areas such as Seomyeon and Yeonsan Intersection. Lastly, plans are being considered to set either the Busan Asiad Main Stadium or BEXCO as the start and finish locations.
A course connecting bridges and urban areas is visually appealing and also holds symbolic significance.
Viability of Full Course and Half Course Operations and International Certification Goals
This marathon event is likely to feature a full course (42.195 km). To receive international certification from World Athletics (WA), accurate distance measurement, operational standard compliance, and participation of elite international athletes are essential.
If international certification is achieved, Busan will have the opportunity to grow as an international marathon city alongside Seoul, Daegu, and Incheon. Additionally, plans to simultaneously hold a half course and a marathon walking event are also being considered in order to increase citizen participation.
Expected Schedule and Traffic Measures for the 2026 Busan International Marathon
The official schedule has not yet been confirmed but is expected to take place in the second half of the year, likely between late November and early December, which is considered suitable for runners based on temperature and weather conditions.
However, the city structure with many bridges and tunnels in Busan poses significant challenges regarding traffic control. The city plans to minimize inconvenience to citizens by securing detours and implementing phased traffic controls in cooperation with the police and relevant authorities.
Conclusion | International Sports Event Elevating Busan's Urban Brand
The 2026 Busan International Marathon carries significance beyond just a sporting event, being an important project that will simultaneously enhance Busan’s urban brand and tourism competitiveness.
In particular, the introduction of a symbolic course that crosses the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the certification of an international full course will offer marathon enthusiasts in Busan the opportunity to fulfill their long-standing aspirations.
If this event is held regularly, Busan has a greater potential to advance as a global running tourism city.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When will the 2026 Busan International Marathon be held?
It is expected to be held in the second half of 2026, typically between late November and early December.
The official schedule for the 2026 Busan International Marathon has not yet been confirmed, but it is anticipated to take place in the second half of the year, particularly in late autumn to early winter, around late November to early December. This timing has been chosen considering favorable temperature and weather conditions for runners. The city of Busan and related agencies are coordinating the optimal schedule for the event preparation.
Q. How is the course for the Busan International Marathon structured?
It is a bridge marathon course that includes maritime bridges such as Gwangandaegyo and urban sections.
The main theme of this marathon is a bridge marathon connecting bridges like Gwangandaegyo with urban areas. The course is expected to be composed of maritime bridge sections, straight sections in urban areas (like Seomyeon and Yeonsan Intersection), and centered around the Busan Asiad Main Stadium or BEXCO as the start and finish locations. Such a course highlights Busan's identity as a coastal city and is visually very attractive.
Q. Is the 2026 Busan International Marathon aiming for international certification?
Yes, the goal is to operate as an official international event certified by World Athletics.
The event aims to achieve international certification from World Athletics (WA) by meeting requirements such as accurate distance measurement, adherence to operational standards, and participation of elite international athletes. If the certification is obtained, Busan can establish itself as a notable international marathon city alongside Seoul, Daegu, and Incheon. Additionally, plans to simultaneously host a half course and a marathon walk event to increase citizen participation are also being considered.
Q. How was the national funding secured?
We secured 460 million won in national funding through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's public offering project.
The city of Busan was selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's support project and received a total of 460 million won in national funding. Among this, 300 million won is planned to be directly invested in the Busan International Marathon, and securing the administrative process and budget as an official international event bears significant meaning. The secured national funding supports the stability and credibility of the event's promotion.
Q. What traffic measures are being prepared for the event?
Plans are to secure detours and implement phased traffic controls in cooperation with the police and other agencies.
Busan poses significant traffic control challenges due to its structure, which has many bridges and tunnels. To minimize inconvenience for citizens, the city plans to secure detours and implement phased traffic controls in cooperation with the police and relevant agencies. Effective traffic measures are being developed to ensure smooth event operations and citizen safety.
Q. What is the special significance of this marathon event?
It is an important international sports event that enhances Busan's urban brand and tourism competitiveness.
The 2026 Busan International Marathon is not merely a sports event, but an important project that will enhance Busan's urban brand value and strengthen tourism competitiveness. With the introduction of a symbolic course that passes through Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the certification of an international full course, it will realize long-held aspirations of marathon enthusiasts and significantly raise Busan's status as a global running tourism city if held regularly.