Seoul Women Marathon Festival

The 2026 26th Women's Marathon Festival is a landmark community athletic event held at the Sangam World Cup Park (Peace Plaza) in Seoul, South Korea. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the festival is hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Women's Newspaper Co., Ltd. With a participation cap of 7,000 people on a first-come, first-served basis, the event is designed to promote health, gender equality, and social contribution through various running and walking disciplines.

The festival offers diverse courses to accommodate different fitness levels, from competitive 10km runs to casual 3km walks. A standout feature is the Donghaeng (Running Together) program—a "Buy One Get One Free" initiative. When a participant registers for this category, they fund a second entry that is donated to children in welfare facilities, allowing them to participate in the marathon and fostering a spirit of community inclusion.

Mapo-gu, where Sangam World Cup Park is located, is a vibrant district in western Seoul known for its blend of ecological parks and high-tech media hubs. As of 2026, Seoul remains a global megacity with a population of approximately 9.4 million residents. The demographic profile of Seoul is evolving, characterized by an aging population and a high median household income of roughly 5.4 million won per month. The city places a significant cultural emphasis on "Well-being" (LOHAS) and social equity, making the Women's Marathon a key event in the capital's social calendar.

The local culture in the Sangam area is defined by its massive green spaces, which were reclaimed from a former landfill to become a model of urban sustainability. The Peace Plaza serves as a central gathering point for families and fitness enthusiasts. The Women's Marathon leverages this setting to celebrate female empowerment and charitable giving. Historically, the Women's Newspaper has used this event to advocate for women's rights and visibility in sports, and the inclusion of pet-friendly participation in the 2026 guidelines reflects the growing "pet-fam" (pet family) culture prevalent in modern South Korean urban society.

Participants are expected to assemble at 7:00 AM, with the official departure taking place at 7:30 AM. To ensure a smooth experience, the organizers have provided specific guidelines for pet participation and logistical start information. The venue at Peace Plaza is easily accessible via the Seoul Subway (World Cup Stadium Station, Line 6), making it a convenient location for the thousands of runners traveling from across the Gyeonggi region.

The social impact of the festival is magnified through its partnership with IBK and various welfare organizations. By integrating the "Online Sports" category, the event remains accessible to those who cannot attend in person, ensuring that the message of the Women's Marathon reaches a digital audience. On May 2nd, the runners at World Cup Park will not only be competing for personal bests but will be participating in a decades-long tradition of "donghaeng"—walking and running together toward a more inclusive society.