Woman in her 20s collapses during Seoul Race marathon, later dies

[Financial News] A woman in her 20s competing in the half-course of the '2026 Seoul Race' marathon, held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, last weekend, collapsed and died.
Yonhap News and other outlets reported on the 12th that at around 8:49 a.m. the previous day, A, a woman in her 20s taking part in the half-course, collapsed at the 20.6-kilometer mark near Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
A race official who found A called 119 and performed CPR at the scene. A was taken to a nearby hospital without regaining consciousness, but ultimately died.
The Seoul Race Organizing Committee announced A's death on its official website on the 12th, saying, "We have devastating news to share with everyone who took part in the 2026 Seoul Race."
The committee said, "We pray for the repose of the deceased and offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family as they face this sudden loss," adding, "We also extend our words of comfort to participants who may be feeling heavyhearted after hearing the sad news of the deceased's passing."
It added, "We will carefully review the relevant matters and take any necessary follow-up measures," and said, "Once again, we mourn the deceased from the bottom of our hearts and offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."
The organizers are investigating the exact cause of death and other details.
Now in its 24th edition, the Seoul Race began at Seoul Plaza at around 7:30 a.m. on the 11th and followed a route through downtown Seoul, passing through areas including Jongno, Dongdaemun, Sungnyemun, Euljiro and Cheonggyecheon. This year's event featured two categories—a 21.0975-kilometer half course and an 11-kilometer course—and drew a total of 12,000 participants.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter