Busan Adds Two More Running Support Hubs, Expanding Running Culture in Everyday Life

[Financial News] Running support hubs are becoming more common as Busan seeks to promote running as part of residents’ everyday lives. 
Busan City announced on the 20th that it had established two additional running support hubs this month, at APEC Naru Park and Geumnyeonsan Station on Urban Railway Line 2, completing a total of five hubs.
Running support hubs are community-oriented facilities that provide amenities such as changing rooms and lockers, making them convenient for residents to use before and after physical activities such as running and cycling.
After establishing a running support hub in Dadaepo in March this year, the city set up auxiliary support spaces at Busan Citizens Park and North Port Waterfront Park in May. Adding facilities at Geumnyeonsan Station and APEC Naru Park has further improved residents’ access to recreational sports.
The two newly established facilities are distinctive in that they reflect the characteristics of their respective areas.
The Geumnyeonsan Station running support hub is an urban amenity facility located inside a station on Urban Railway Line 2. Thanks to its excellent public transportation access, it is expected to serve a wide range of uses, from running along Gwangalli Beach to trail running on Geumnyeonsan.
The APEC Naru Park running support hub is a waterside amenity facility that makes use of the natural surroundings along the Suyeong River. It helps residents using riverside walking paths, including pedestrian bridges, exercise more conveniently and supports comfortable physical activity.
The city plans to increase use of the facilities by connecting the running support hubs with running programs that encourage public participation, and to promote a healthy running culture in everyday life.
The city will support participants’ needs in coordination with the “Run Busan Running Crew,” which meets every week near APEC Naru Park. A special running program is scheduled for the 23rd at Samik Beach Waterfront Park to mark the opening of the Geumnyeonsan Station running support hub.
Large-scale running events will also be held in succession. The “Run Busan Running Festival” will take place on November 14 in the area around North Port Waterfront Park. This will be followed on December 6 by the “Busan Bridge Marathon,” sanctioned by World Athletics (WA), which will run across Gwangan Bridge, Busan Port Bridge and Namhang Bridge.
Nam Jeong-eun, the city’s director of sports, said, “I hope the running support hubs will make it easier for residents to exercise and help spread running culture in everyday life,” adding, “We will continue to expand community-oriented sports facilities by making use of underused spaces, so residents can enjoy the exercise of their choice whenever they want, close to home.” 

[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter