Runner Lee Bong-ju, seen in this file photo, is preparing for the 41st, and final, marathon of his career. / Korea Times File |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
South Korean marathoner Lee Bong-joo will run the last marathon of his career at the National Sports Festival on Oct. 21.
Lee, who was born in Chunan in South Chungchong Province, will represent his home province's team at the event held in Daejeon.
"I want to run for my hometown in my last race," Lee said.
It will be his 41st career completed marathon if the 38-year-old finishes the race.
In the hopes of going out on a high note, he has been preparing for the competition since July.
Lee who finished second in his debut race at the National Sports Festival in 1990, has taken part in that race every year since 1993, winning two gold medals.
Lee has been taking uphill training and cross country practice in Gwangwon Province in preparation for his last race.
"Early this year, he seemed to reach his limit and needed lots of time for recovery due to his age. But he endured some tough training during this summer, and his conditioning is getting a lot better. Lee still takes hard practice well," Samsung Electronics running team head coach Oh In-hwan said.
Lee became the first Korean to run 40 marathons at the Seoul International Marathon last year. He finished 14th, clocking in at two hours, 16 minutes and 46 seconds.
Lee also holds the Korean marathon record time of 2:07.20, which he set at the Tokyo Marathon in 2000.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
|
경찰, 이태원 등 외국인 밀집지역 특별관리
