Uijeongbu City to Host Mulgil Marathon on Oct. 17; 3,858 Registered Nationwide

Half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km races to run along Jungnangcheon and Buyongcheon
One lane near Omokgyo Bridge to be closed

The 2026 Uijeongbu Waterway Marathon National Competition, which runs along Jungnangcheon and Buyongcheon in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, will be held on October 17 around the Dongmak Bridge Inline Skating Plaza. Kim Wonki is the mayor of Uijeongbu.

Poster for the 2026 Uijeongbu Waterway Marathon National Competition, to be held on the 17th. Provided by Uijeongbu City.

According to Uijeongbu City, 3,858 people, including marathon enthusiasts from across the country and local residents, have registered for the event, hosted by the Uijeongbu City Sports Council. That is nearly double the roughly 2,000 participants last year.

The competition will feature three events: a half marathon (21.0975 km), a 10 km race, and a 5 km race. The 5 km race will start at 9 a.m., the 10 km race at 10 a.m., and the half marathon at 10:30 a.m.

The 5 km course follows Jungnangcheon and turns back near the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. The 10 km course loops around the Sin Terminal three-way intersection and continues toward Jangam-dong. The half-marathon course follows Buyongcheon and has two turnaround points: Omok Bridge near Tapseok Station and Jangam Park Golf Course.

The event was renamed from the "Riverside Marathon" to the "Waterway Marathon" last year. A highlight is the chance to enjoy the riverside walking paths along the two streams that cross the city center, as well as the autumn scenery.

The 10 km race had the most registrants, with 1,967. It was followed by the 5 km race with 1,296 and the half marathon with 595.

Participants' times will be measured using timing chips. Finishers can receive commemorative medals engraved by laser with their name, event, and time at the photo zone at the event venue. Commemorative T-shirts bearing each participant's bib number, timing chips, and energy gels will be mailed to participants before the event, eliminating the need for separate pickup on the day.

Awards will be given not only to the top three men and women in each event, but also to male and female finishers who place 50th, 100th, 200th, and 300th. The aim is to give beginners seeking to finish a chance to win an award, as well as experienced runners competing for the best times.

Safety measures will also be strengthened in response to the increase in participants. The city plans to deploy safety personnel, including public officials, volunteer neighborhood patrol members, and members of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, at around 110 course access points to control entry by pedestrians and bicycles. Five ambulances and water stations will be set up at the start and turnaround points to prepare for emergencies.

One lane along the Omok Bridge section, the half-marathon turnaround point, will be closed from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Buses will also pass through the section without stopping during that time. The city asked residents for their understanding and cooperation with the traffic restrictions.

Uijeongbu Mayor Kim Wonki said, "We are grateful to the nearly 4,000 participants from across the country who will join the Waterway Marathon under its new name. We will continue to develop sporting events that make use of local waterways and nature, including Jungnangcheon and Buyongcheon, and build a healthy city where everyone can enjoy exercise in their daily lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.