Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
43–63°F · Feels cool
Total elevation gain
Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +33 ft
Participants
Large field
Crowd Rating
Good crowd energy
The Lowdown
The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon is an annual World Athletics-recognized road race held each spring in Gunsan, on South Korea's western coast in Jeollabuk-do. Organized by the Gunsan City Athletic Association, the event reached its 20th edition in 2026, drawing roughly 12,000 runners from nine countries to the Gunsan Wolmyeong Comprehensive Sports Complex. The flat, fast course runs along the Saemangeum seawall, giving runners open views of the Yellow Sea alongside the city skyline, and the race is popular locally as a cherry-blossom-season event. In addition to the full marathon, the event offers a two-person Half & Half relay in which each runner covers roughly half the marathon distance, plus a 10km and a 5km. The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon is one of only three Korean marathons, alongside the Seoul Marathon and the Daegu Marathon, to hold World Athletics label certification. The 2026 edition was completed on April 5, 2026, when Isaac Kipkemboi Too of Kenya set a new course record of 2:07:15 in the international men's elite race.
Questions about the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon 2027
When is the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon 2027?
Sunday, April 4, 2027.
What time does the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon start?
The race starts at 7:30 AM, local time.
What is the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon time limit?
6 hours.
How do I enter the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon 2027?
Registration has not opened yet. Jan 4, 2027: Registration Opens. Apr 2, 2027: Registration Closes. Ways in: Online registration via official race website; Bank transfer payment (NH Nonghyup Bank).
What is the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon course like?
50 m of total elevation gain. It passes Saemangeum Seawall, Yellow Sea coastline and Gunsan Wolmyeong Comprehensive Sports Complex.
What is the weather like at the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon?
Race-day temperatures are usually 6–17 °C (43–63 °F).
Is the Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.
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