Pilgrimage 222km Ultra Marathon

The 2026 Pilgrimage Ultra Marathon, themed "The Path of Faith, Running Together 222," is a spiritual and physical endurance event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. This ultramarathon is designed as a moving pilgrimage, bringing together participants to "bring good news" while traversing significant cultural and religious landmarks. The 2026 edition is currently in its final registration phase, with 183 participants already confirmed for the journey.

Community and Support Services

The marathon emphasizes inclusivity and community support. A notable feature for the 2026 race is the collaboration with the Visually Impaired Marathon Club (VMK), which will provide recovery massage services for the runners. The event has also gained significant media attention, recently featured in a news report by CPBC Peace Broadcasting. Pre-event activities, known as "Pre-weeks," have already begun, documenting participants visiting various sanctuaries and sharing communal meals to build camaraderie before the official start in late April.

Logistics and Deadlines

As of March 30, 2026, the application window is nearly closed. Organizers have issued a final reminder for registered runners to complete their payments by the March 31 deadline to secure their spots. The race headquarters is located at the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul in Myeongdong, a historic center for the Catholic faith in South Korea. The event also includes a "Review Writing Event" where past and present participants are encouraged to share their personal stories of faith and physical challenge.

Demographic and Cultural Context

Seoul, South Korea, is a global metropole with a population of approximately 9.4 million residents. The religious demographic of the city is diverse, with approximately 19.7% identifying as Protestant, 15.5% as Buddhist, and 7.9% as Catholic. Despite Catholics being a smaller percentage of the total population, the Archdiocese of Seoul maintains a high level of social and cultural influence through events like the Pilgrimage Ultra Marathon. Jung-gu, where the race is headquartered, has a median household income of approximately ₩64 million (approx. $48,000 USD) and serves as the historical and administrative heart of the city.