DMZ ultra-marathon planned for September

A 100-kilometer (62 mile) long ultra-marathon near the demilitarized zone, which divides the South and North, will be hosted over the course of three days in early September, announced the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Tuesday.

The marathon will take place in the far northern part of Gyeonggi - Gimpo, Paju and Yeonchon District - from Sept. 1 to Sept. 4.

The sports event was organized to publicize the history, culture and ecological diversity of the demilitarized zone as well as deliver a message about peace and the importance of life to race participants.

Over 80 percent of the marathon’s trails are unpaved roads, and runners will have to run through mountainous environs and meadows. As many as 1,700 runners will participate in the race, and the course will be divided into two parts - one for foreign and domestic professional runners and another for amateur runners.

Foreign and domestic professional athletes will stay at Camp Greaves in the Civilian Control Line for the entire marathon, with meals provided.

Amateur runners can start their run on the trail in either Yeoncheon or Paju, or both, for a total of 63 kilometers.

Registration is open and can be completed online at www.dmzultratrail.com.

BY JEON ICK-JIN [shin.sooyeon@joongang.co.kr]