Chungju City Hall's Lim Yae-jin has made headlines once again by winning the 2025 Seoul Marathon, successfully defending her title with a dramatic finish. This prestigious marathon, which took place on March 16, 2025, featured participants from around the globe, affirming its status as one of the world's leading running events.
The 2025 Seoul Marathon spanned 42.195 kilometers, starting at the iconic Gwanghwamun Plaza and culminating at the Jamsil Sports Complex. Lim Yae-jin, representing Chungju City Hall, faced stiff competition throughout the race. Despite maintaining her lead early on, Lim was overtaken by Jecheon City Hall's Choi Kyung-sun at the 28-kilometer mark, trailing behind until the final stretch.
With just 500 meters to go, Lim executed an impressive sprint, regaining her position to cross the finish line with an official time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 14 seconds. Her performance was commendable, especially considering it marked her second consecutive win at this esteemed marathon.
Following her victory, Lim expressed her joy and pride, noting the significance of her feat as she overcomes the challenges posed by thyroid cancer. Her win not only highlights her athletic prowess but also serves as inspiration for others facing health issues.
Second place was claimed by Kim Do-yeon of Samsung Electronics, who finished with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes and 18 seconds, closely followed by Choi Kyung-sun, who took third place at 2 hours and 30 minutes and 31 seconds.
On the men's side, Kim Hong-rok of Korea Electric Power emerged victorious, clocking 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 29 seconds, thereby securing his second consecutive win at this marathon. Like Lim, Kim's victory also set new personal benchmarks, as he bested his previous time significantly.
The event drew approximately 40,000 runners from 66 countries, showcasing the unity and competitive spirit among marathon enthusiasts worldwide. Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets underdrizzling skies, cheering on the runners as they navigated the marathon's scenic course.
Kim Hong-rok's triumph was particularly noteworthy, having previously set his personal best at 2 hours and 14 minutes during his collegiate years. His success at this year’s race underlines the dedication and hard work he has put forth.
"Winning this marathon for the second time is incredibly special to me. Each race has its unique challenges, but the atmosphere and support from fellow runners make it unforgettable," Kim remarked, reflecting on his achievement.
Last year, Lim also proved her mettle by finishing with one of the fastest times recorded for women. Her recent triumph adds to her growing accolades, particularly as she overcame significant health challenges. Recently, she excelled at the Gyeonggi Suwon International Half Marathon by achieving 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 42 seconds—an improvement of 1 minute and 40 seconds over her previous record.
Coaches and team directors felt immense pride witnessing their athletes perform excellently at the marathon. Chungju City Hall's coach, An Kyung-ki, expressed his elation post-race, stating, "Lim Yae-jin's persistence and determination have been exemplary. Her ability to claim victory at such a prestigious event, especially after surpassing her half marathon record, is commendable. We’re all thrilled with her performance."
Civic leaders also celebrated these athletes’ achievements, highlighting their roles as sources of inspiration for the local community. Chungju's mayor, Jo Gil-hyung, remarked on Lim's accomplishment by saying, "Lim Yae-jin’s achievement fills our city with pride and hope. Her relentless effort and spirit are truly commendable, and I hope our citizens continue to support her on broader stages." This regional pride emphasizes the impact of sports achievements on community spirit.
The race weekend transformed the city of Seoul, demonstrating not only the competitive nature of athletics but also the enjoyment and camaraderie shared among participants and spectators alike. Looking forward, marathons like this continue to motivate individual growth and community spirit.
Upcoming events at the local level include the Chungju Senior Welfare Center's 'Youth Cinema' program scheduled for March 19, enriching the local culture and providing entertainment for the community.
The Seoul Marathon, known for its demanding yet beautiful route, has served as the catalyst for these inspirational stories, reaffirming the commitment of athletes and organizers alike to celebrate the endurance and determination inherent in marathon running across the world.
