Woman in her 20s who died during the ‘Seoul Race’ identified as KAIST graduate student Yu Ji-won

[Financial News] A participant in her 20s collapsed and died during a marathon in downtown Seoul. The deceased has been identified as Yu Ji-won, a KAIST graduate student who was active as a running influencer, adding to the sadness.
According to the Seoul Race Organizing Committee and related industry sources on the 13th, Yu, who was taking part in the Seoul Race half marathon, suddenly collapsed at the 20.6-kilometer mark, just 500 meters from the finish line, at around 8:49 a.m. on the 11th.
Yu received emergency treatment at the scene and was taken by a 119 ambulance to a nearby medical facility. She received treatment but ultimately died.
The organizing committee said on its official website, “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family as they face this sudden grief.”
Born in 2001, Yu was a student researching AI semiconductors at KAIST graduate school and a runner striving to set marathon records. She began running in 2022 and was reportedly diligent about training while balancing her studies and running.
A post Yu shared on Instagram before her death has also added to the sadness. After winning the women's Masters 10km at the Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon held last April, she posted her thoughts on Instagram.
Yu set a personal best in the 10km at the event, with an average pace of 3 minutes 37 seconds. “My goal for my next 10km race is 35 minutes 59 seconds,” she wrote. “There are many days to take on challenges, so let's overcome our fear and go for it.”
Following the sudden tragic news, tributes have continued to appear on the deceased's Instagram and in videos of interviews recorded during her lifetime, including comments such as “She was a great talent for the country and a beautiful runner” and “My heart aches at this sad news.”

[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter