2026 Daegu Marathon Sells Out Early in 21 Days, 41,104 Applicants

The Daegu Marathon is making every effort to secure the World Athletics (WA) highest grade certification, the 'World Athletics Platinum Label'.
Daegu Metropolitan City announced on the 14th that registration for the 2026 Daegu Marathon, scheduled for next February, closed early on the 8th, just 21 days after it opened. Registration began on September 17, and a total of 41,104 people completed their applications.
Last year, registration closed early after 40,130 applicants signed up over 81 days. This year, however, the 10km race filled up with over 15,000 applicants on the first day, and the health run reached its 5,000-participant cap within three days.
The full marathon, with about 20,000 participants, also sold out in 21 days, setting a new record by closing 60 days earlier than the previous year.
Acting Mayor Kim Jeong-gi (Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs) stated, "With such high interest leading to early closure of registration for the 2026 Daegu Marathon, we will thoroughly prepare the event so that participants can feel proud." He emphasized, "In particular, by pursuing the World Athletics Platinum Label certification, we aim to put the Daegu Marathon on par with global cities and provide the best possible race environment."
By category, 20,005 registered for the full marathon, 15,648 for the 10km, and 5,451 for the health run. By region, 17,901 participants (43.6%) are from Daegu, 21,956 (53.4%) from other regions, and 1,247 (3%) from overseas.
The number of overseas participants increased nearly fourfold from 315 last year, further elevating the international status of the Daegu Marathon.
By age group, those in their 30s accounted for the largest share with 14,852 participants (36.1%), followed by those in their 40s with 12,836 (31.2%), and those in their 20s with 5,221 (12.7%).
Meanwhile, based on its experience successfully hosting the World Athletics Gold Label event for three consecutive years since 2023, the city is working to elevate next year's event to the World Athletics Platinum Label, the highest grade held by only 12 cities worldwide, including London, Boston, New York, and Tokyo.
With approval from the Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF), the city has completed its application for the World Athletics Platinum Label with WA. Until the final approval expected around December, all efforts will be focused on preparations, including inviting top-tier athletes from around the world.

gimju@fnnews.com Kim Jang-uk Reporter