SK Telecom Meets 3,400 Runners at 'Mudo Run,' Expands 'RunMate' Benefits

[Financial News] SKT is expanding its 'RunMate' program targeting customers who enjoy running. The company plans to broaden its engagement with runner customers by offering device trials and race-completion support at running events, along with race entry tickets and running gear.
SKT announced on the 20th that, following its operation of a 'RunMate booth' at the '2026 Infinite Challenge Run in Gyeongju (Mudo Run),' it will roll out a series of promotions for runners under the theme 'Take on Your Own Running Challenge with RunMate.'
SKT participated as the main sponsor of Mudo Run, held in Gyeongju on the 19th. More than 3,400 customers visited the RunMate booth set up at the event.
At the booth, customers who uploaded verification photos to social media with the hashtag '#RunMate' could have their individual finish times engraved on the back of their Mudo Run finisher's medals. The Samsung Electronics running-device experience zone allowed visitors to try the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro.
The company also supported participants at various points along the race course. Six 'RunMate hydration stations' provided water, glucose candies and bananas, while a 'cooling gate' that sprayed mist was installed at the finish line.
SKT will continue its promotions aimed at the fall running season following the event. Through its first program, 'Prepare Your Running Gear in Advance,' it will provide invitation tickets to the '2026 Garmin Run Korea,' scheduled for Nov. 15 at Goyang Stadium, to a total of 500 people.
SKT customers who enjoy running can enter through the RunMate promotion page by selecting either the 10-kilometer or half-marathon course through the 11th of next month. SKT will award tickets through a lottery to 250 general applicants and 250 customers on eligible plans that offer discounts on smart-device installment payments. Twenty winners will also receive a pair of Adidas Adizero EVO SL running shoes.
Since August, SKT has been bundling running-related products and benefits under RunMate, introducing smart devices from Garmin and Shokz and offering opportunities to participate in Mudo Run.
It will also sequentially roll out follow-up promotions, including 'Run 10 Kilometers in a Month,' 'Improve Your Running Pace' and 'Record Your Running Challenge.'
Yoon Jae-woong, head of SK Telecom's Product & Brand Division, said, "We set up the RunMate booth and promotions to help runner customers carry the joy of finishing a race into their next challenge. We will continue expanding RunMate products and benefits that provide practical help throughout runners' journeys."
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter