Daejeon is building a full marathon course along its three rivers

Running fever is sweeping South Korea, and the city of Daejeon wants a piece of it. The city has settled on a full marathon course (42.195 km) that follows its three main rivers, and it plans to start operating it next year.

What happened?

According to Daejeon city, the route covers the Gap, Daejeon and Yudeung streams. The city is now asking residents to suggest a name for it.

So far, suggestions on the city's website include "Samcheon-ri Marathon" (a mash-up of the three rivers), "Hanbat Marathon" (after Daejeon's old name), "Daejeon Ontong Mulgil Marathon" and "Kkumdori Marathon".

The course has three sections:

• Section 1 (20.5 km): from Expo Citizens' Plaza along the lower Gap stream to Wonchon Bridge.
• Section 2 (6 km): the upper Gap stream, via Daedeok Bridge and the KAIST bridge, back to KBS.
• Section 3 (15.6 km): along the Yudeung stream, from Dunsan Bridge across Sumchim Bridge to Taepyeong Bridge and back.

Why is everyone talking about it?

More running crews are training in the city centre, and some residents have complained about the inconvenience. A riverside course should help ease those complaints.

It also solves a practical problem. Yun Yong-jun, head of the city's sports promotion division, said official marathons have always needed road closures. An easy-to-reach course should make everyday sports more accessible, he said.

What's next?

The city drew up the route in consultation with experts, including marathon federation officials and coaches. It has already checked road surface, slopes and walking conditions on site.

On 10 November, around 10 people from marathon clubs and running crews will test the course. The city will collect their feedback through surveys and interviews before finalising it.

Daejeon will then budget for road repairs and for signposts and markers. Full operation is planned for next year.