Running Toward the Next 120 Years: Sookmyung Holds “Sookmyung 120, Run Right Now!” Marathon
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2026-06-12
To celebrate the 120th anniversary of its founding, Sookmyung Women’s University hosted a marathon that brought together members of the university community to run around the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
On May 15, Sookmyung held the commemorative marathon, “Sookmyung 120, Run Right Now!”, at the Snow Plaza Hall on campus and throughout the Yongsan District. Approximately 700 students, faculty members, and staff participated in the event, which was revived for the first time in 14 years.
Even before the race began, Snow Plaza Hall was bustling with participants. Attendees enjoyed the festive atmosphere by getting face paintings and taking commemorative photos at designated photo zones.
In her opening remarks, President Moon Si-yeun said, “I hope everyone completes the race safely and joins together in celebrating Sookmyung’s 120th anniversary.” Choi Sung-hee, Director of the Student Support Center, explained the race procedures and safety guidelines, while the university cheerleading squad, Nivis, energized participants with a spirited performance that signaled the official start of the event.
The marathon was especially meaningful as it took place on Teachers’ Day. Won Ji-yu, a student majoring in Data Science in the Division of Software, said, “I joined the race with my professor to celebrate Teachers’ Day. I’m both nervous and excited.” Prof. Hong Ki-beom of the Division of Software added, “I’m thrilled to be running alongside my students. My goal is simply to finish the race safely and do my best.”
President Moon and several senior administrators also pinned on race bibs and joined the run. After completing a warm-up session led by Han Seo-joo, a graduate student in the Dept. of Physical Education, participants gathered at the university’s main gate. Together they shouted the slogan, “Sookmyung 120, Run Right Now!” before setting off amid loud cheers and excitement.
The sight of participants running in formation while wearing matching blue T-shirts created the impression of a giant wave flowing through Cheongpa-dong area. Members of the Army ROTC Marathon Club (SRMC) added to the festive atmosphere by running the course carrying banners.
To accommodate different levels of running experience and fitness, participants were divided into three categories: Energetic Snowflakes, Healthy Snowflakes, and Cute Snowflakes. The 2.7-kilometer course began at the university’s main gate and passed through the Cheongpa Police Substation intersection, Namyeong Station intersection, Wonhyo-ro Post Office intersection, Hyochang Park Station intersection, and the Hyochang Stadium junction before returning to Snow Plaza.
To ensure a safe event, the university coordinated in advance with the Yongsan Police Station, which deployed traffic officers and volunteer traffic guides along the route. In addition, more than 70 faculty and staff members served as safety volunteers, cheering on runners with enthusiastic cries of “Fighting!” throughout the course. Despite the hot weather, participants encouraged one another and continued to the finish line.
The winner of the women’s division commented, “I started a little late and thought it would be difficult to finish among the top places. But I’m strong on uphill sections, so I managed to overtake other runners on the final hill and achieve a good result.”
The men’s division was won by Han Sang-wook, Assistant Manager at the Facilities Management Center and president of the university running club CrewWithSang (CrewWith相). Reflecting on the experience, he said, “For ten years I have traveled these familiar roads—including Queen Sunheon Road and Cheongpa-ro—on buses 400 and 0411. Running those same streets on foot gave me a completely new perspective. Sharing the experience with so many Sookmyung students, faculty, and staff transformed an ordinary part of daily life into a truly special moment.”
Prize money of KRW 300,000, 200,000, and 100,000 was awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions. In addition, upcycled medals created by SEM, the university’s Environmental Leadership Group, were awarded to runners finishing up to 120th place, delivering an environmentally conscious message as part of the celebration.
The Student Support Center, which organized the event, stated, “Today’s remarkable scene of participants in blue T-shirts filling the streets and running together symbolized the unity of the Sookmyung community. Just as individual footsteps came together to create a shared memory, we will continue creating moments in which we move forward together with smiles.”
The center added, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the volunteers who remained on site despite the hot weather and to the Yongsan Police Station for its cooperation in ensuring the safe operation of the event.”
