Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Not your average marathon: Korea’s running scene goes full fandom in 2025
Cosplayers and participants pose ahead of Marvel Run 2019 in Yeouido Park in Seoul, Oct. 27, 2019. Yonhap
By Kwak Yeon-soo
What do Mickey Mouse, Pikachu, Marvel superheroes, Hello Kitty and the cast of beloved Korean variety show “Infinite Challenge” have in common? This year, they are leading a pop-culture parade across Korea’s marathon scene, transforming fitness into a festival of fandom and fun.
Forget grueling finish lines — 2025 is all about themed running events where costumes, character encounters and Instagram moments take center stage. From dashing through Yeouido Park with Mickey and Minnie at the inaugural Disney Run, to grabbing limited-edition merchandise at the Sanrio Cutie Run to embarking on a mission-filled Pokemon Run along Jeju’s scenic trails, these events are more parade than race.
It is not just pop culture icons making waves — Korea’s entertainment legacy joins the party, too. The Infinite Challenge Run turns nostalgia into exercise, bringing the beloved variety show’s cast and fans together for immersive experience zones and a festival-style concert in Busan.
Let’s take a look at five of Korea’s most unique running events planned for the second half of this year.
A poster for Disney Run Seoul 2025 / Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company Korea
1. Disney Run Seoul 2025
When? Oct. 11 (Sat.), 8 a.m.
Where? Yeouido Park, Seoul
Distances: 3 kilometer Fun Run, 10 km Sprint
Cost: 45,000 won for 3 km race and 80,000 won for 10 km race
Highlight: Run alongside your favorite Disney characters in costume. Runners will each be given a limited edition Disney T-shirt and medal.
How to register: Public registration starts on July 29 at 12 a.m. and will be open until July 31 at 2 p.m. via the Disney Run website. A total of 15,000 runners will be selected via raffle and announced on Aug. 1 at 11 a.m.
A poster for 2025 Seoul Sanrio X Olive Young Cutie Run / Courtesy of Sanrio
2. Sanrio X Olive Young Cutie Run
When? Sept. 20 (Sat.), 7 a.m.
Where? Yeouido Park, Seoul
Distances: 10 km
Cost: 80,000 won
Highlight: Runners will each be given a special edition Sanrio T-shirt, cap, gym sack and a medal featuring Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and Kuromi.
How to register: Registrations are open until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. via Olive Young online mall. A person needs to be a registered Olive Young user in order to purchase a ticket (one ticket per person), with 15,000 slots available on a first-come-first-served basis.
A poster for Infinite Challenge Run with Coupang Play / Courtesy of Coupang Play
3. Infinite Challenge Run with Coupang Play
When? Aug. 30 (Sat.) at 8 p.m.
Where? Gwangalli Beach, Busan
Distances: 10 km
Cost: 99,900 won
Highlight: MBC’s legendary reality TV show “Infinite Challenge” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Though the show ended in 2018, it remains a cultural icon often referenced by fans and industry insiders alike. The event will feature original cast members Park Myung-soo, Jeong Jun-ha, Haha and Junjin. A special performance is also planned for fans who grew up with the show.
How to register: Registration is open until July 31 at 4:59 p.m. Registered Coupang Play users can purchase up to two tickets online.
A poster for Pokemon Run / Courtesy of Pokemon Korea
4. Pokemon Run
When? Oct. 11 (Sat.)
Where? Jungmun Golf Club, Jeju Island
Distances: To be announced
Cost: To be announced
Highlight: This is not just a running event but a Pokemon-themed adventure featuring AR photo zones, a mission-based stamp rally, official merchandise booths and unforgettable encounters with favorite Pokemon characters like Pikachu, Eevee, and Psyduck.
How to register: Registration requirements will be announced via the Pokemon Korea Instagram account.
A poster for Marvel Run 2025 Seoul / Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company Korea
5. Marvel Run 2025 Seoul
When? Sept. 14 (Sun.), 8 a.m.
Where? Seoul Plaza, Seoul
Distances: 10 km and 21 km half marathon
Cost: 60,000 won for the 10 km race and 70,000 won for the 21 km half marathon
Highlight: The Marvel Comics-themed marathon combines running and geeking out about Marvel characters. To sign up for the Marvel Run 2025 Seoul, men need to meet the qualifying time of under 45 minutes for the 10 km race and under 100 minutes for the half marathon, while women need to run 10 km in less than 55 minutes and 110 minutes for the half marathon.
How to register: Currently sold out