The Chuncheon Marathon has typically started from Gongjicheon Bridge at 9 a.m. on the last Sunday of October (scheduled for October 25 in 2026).
At the end of October, Chuncheon is an inland area where temperatures drop significantly at dawn and in the morning,
so it is quite chilly during the wait before the start and there is a large daily temperature difference with the temperature rising as the sun rises after starting the run.
Bring an extra outer layer or a plastic covering for warmth that you can remove before the start.
If you are wearing short sleeves and shorts, it is a good strategy to protect your body temperature in the early stages with arm sleeves or thin gloves.
Details of bib distribution and Packet Pickup will be sequentially posted on the official website and notices as the competition approaches,
so be sure to check 2-3 weeks before the competition.
There are three main types of transportation: The organizer's shuttle buses depart from Seoul City Hall Station, Jamsil,
Sindorim, and Sadang all at around 6 a.m., and if reservations are not made immediately after registration, they often close early.
By train, the ITX-Cheongchun takes about 74 to 80 minutes from Yongsan and about 58 to 64 minutes from Cheongnyangni,
and it is about a 20-minute walk from Chuncheon Station to the venue.
You can also take the Gyeongchun Line subway and get off at Namchuncheon Station.
Train seats sell out quickly on the morning of the competition, so make your reservations quickly.
It is difficult to recommend private vehicles as parking spaces near Gongjicheon are limited and traffic restrictions begin at 7 a.m.
Many reviews say that there are no major inconveniences in leaving and retrieving luggage as there are ample storage booths.
However, there are long lines at the station and venue restrooms, so it is recommended that you use the restroom as much as possible in advance.
The course is an internationally certified loop course around Uiam Lake,
and the first half is a relatively flat section that runs along the lakeside road while looking at the autumn leaves of Samaksan Mountain and the lake.
The real deciding factor is the long uphill section starting from Seosang Bridge around 25 km,
and 25 to 35 km is considered the most difficult section of the competition.
If the early scenery tempts you to push your pace too hard, you can fade on this section.
Run the first 5 to 15 km more conservatively than your target pace and save your strength for the climb.
After the climb, the route trends downhill towards the finish, giving you a chance to pick up speed at the end.
The full marathon time limit is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
The course and race arrangements may change from year to year, so be sure to check the latest competition guidelines.
