Daegu Marathon

Prepare for an elite-tier athletic spectacle at the 2026 Daegu Marathon, scheduled to ignite the streets of South Korea on Sunday, February 22, 2026. As a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event—striving for Platinum status—this race has solidified its place as one of the most competitive and high-stakes marathons in Asia. Starting and finishing at the iconic Daegu Stadium, the event welcomes a massive field of 40,000 runners, ranging from world-record-chasing elite athletes to passionate masters runners, all converging to conquer the city’s heart and experience its world-class sports infrastructure.

The course is a masterclass in urban marathon design, featuring a wide, circular loop that traverses Daegu’s most recognizable landmarks and downtown districts. Known for its "fast and flat" profile, the route is meticulously engineered to facilitate personal bests and course records, supported by the highest prize purse in the world for an international marathon. Participants can choose from a range of distances including the flagship Full Marathon, as well as Half Marathon, 10K, and a 5K Health Run, ensuring that the vibrant "running festival" atmosphere is accessible to athletes of every ability level.

The 2026 edition has already seen unprecedented demand, with all 41,104 slots selling out in record-breaking time, reflecting the city’s burgeoning status as a global running destination. Runners are treated to premium support, including official race apparel from Pro-Specs and a highly coordinated traffic control system that allows for an uninterrupted, scenic journey through the city center. Whether you are aiming for a sub-3-hour finish or simply soaking in the electric energy of 2.6 million cheering citizens, the Daegu Marathon remains a transformative experience that defines the pinnacle of the South Korean road racing calendar.