2026 MBN Seoul Marathon Entry Guide

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10km race SeoulGwanghwamun race

Autumn in Seoul provides one of the most stunning backdrops for road running in East Asia. Crisp crisp weather, clear blue skies, and vibrant autumn foliage set the stage for the highly anticipated 2026 MBN Seoul Marathon. Taking participants from the heart of historic central Seoul at Gwanghwamun Square all the way across the city to the Jamsil Sports Complex, this road race offers overseas runners a fantastic way to experience the South Korean capital on foot.

Whether you are planning to tackle the half marathon course or looking for a fast-paced 10km run, securing your spot requires early preparation due to limited entries and strict registration deadlines. Here is everything you need to know about key event details, course routing, gear packages, and practical logistics to organise your autumn race getaway.

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Essential Race Overview and Key Dates

Organised jointly by MBN and Maeil Business Newspaper, the 2026 MBN Seoul Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Entry numbers are capped across both distance options to ensure runner safety and smooth course logistics along Seoul's major thoroughfares.

General Event Details

* Event Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026

* Race Day Schedule: Gathering at 06:30 | Warm-up at 07:00 | Race Start at 07:30 | Marathon Ends at 10:30 | Official Event Close at 12:00

* Race Categories & Entry Fees:

* Half Marathon: 20,000 capacity | 100,000 KRW

* 10km Race: 10,000 capacity | 70,000 KRW

* Starting Locations:

* Half Marathon: Gwanghwamun Square

* 10km Race: Jamsil Sports Complex

* Eligibility: Healthy males and females who agree to the participant terms and conditions. Legal guardian consent is recommended for participants under 18 years old.

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Additional Registration Schedule

If you missed the initial entry window, an additional application period is opened on a strictly first-come, first-served basis through the official RUNIT platform:

* Promotions Category: Opens 18 September (Friday) at 14:00 (Closes when filled)

* 10km Course: Opens 21 September (Monday) at 14:00 (Closes when filled)

* Half Course: Opens 22 September (Tuesday) at 14:00 (Closes when filled)

* Refund Request Deadline: Up to 17:00 on the 7th day after payment (D+7). No refunds are permitted after this point.

* General Cancellation Deadline: Full cancellations and refunds can be processed until 17:00 on Monday, 31 August 2026. Cancellations after this cutoff date are non-refundable. (Note: No refunds will be provided if the event is interrupted or cancelled due to force majeure or natural disasters).

Registration Process and Application App

All entries for the 2026 event must be completed individually through the official registration provider, RUNIT. Group applications are not accepted under any circumstances.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Visit the official MBN Seoul Marathon website and click on the registration button.

2. You will be redirected to the RUNIT application platform (available on web or downloadable via the App Store and Google Play by searching "RUNIT"). Create a user account prior to the opening time to ensure a swift checkout.

3. Select your desired race distance (Half Marathon or 10km) and enter your personal identification details.

4. Proceed with the payment process to secure your entry slot. Payment refunds via credit card processing will take between 3 to 7 business days to reflect depending on the card issuer.

Priority Entry Eligibility

Priority registration access is granted during designated priority windows to valid subscribers of Maekyung PLUS, as well as registered past participants of the Sunset Marathon or Superhero Run. Verification is conducted using the runner's registered mobile phone number, and registrations must be made directly by the primary phone line owner.

Course Layout and Time Limits

The event routes give runners a unique tour of Seoul's grand landmarks, moving from the city's traditional core across the river into the dynamic south-eastern district.

Half Marathon Course

* Start Location: Gwanghwamun Square

* Finish Location: Jamsil Sports Complex (East Gate)

* Time Limit: 2 hours 30 minutes

* Water Stations: Hydration stations offering water are positioned every 2.5km after passing the initial 5km mark.

10km Course

* Start Location: Jamsil Sports Complex (East Gate)

* Finish Location: Jamsil Sports Complex (East Gate)

* U-Turn Point: Garak Market Station

* Time Limit: 1 hour 30 minutes

* Water Stations: Hydration stations are positioned at the 3.5km and 7km marks.

*Note on Road Reopening:* Traffic control measures along the courses will be lifted sequentially based on strict section cut-off times. Runners who do not meet the course pace requirements must follow instructions from race officials and police officers to board the official sweep bus.

Runner Regulations and Race Day Logistics

To ensure a safe and organized event for all participants, strict race day rules and facility schedules are enforced by the race committee.

Baggage Storage and Changing Rooms

Changing facilities are provided at the event sites. However, runners must take note that baggage drop procedures differ significantly depending on the category:

* Half Marathon Baggage Drop:

* Drop Location: Gwanghwamun Square (Start Line)

* Drop Operating Hours: 06:00 to 07:00 on 15 November

* Pick-up Location: Jamsil Sports Complex (Finish Line)

* *Crucial Timing:* Half marathon runners must drop off their gear before 06:30. Baggage transport vehicles leave Gwanghwamun promptly at 07:00.

* 10km Baggage Drop:

* Drop & Pick-up Location: Jamsil Sports Complex (Start and Finish Line)

* Overall Storage Operating Hours: 06:00 to 12:00 on 15 November

* Storage Restrictions: Baggage services accept standard race apparel, shoes, and light bags only. Valuable items, electronic devices, and fine jewellery are strictly prohibited from gear storage.

Prohibited Items and Wheeled Vehicles

For safety reasons due to course conditions, no wheeled devices or transport items are permitted on the race track. This includes strollers, wheelchairs, inline skates, and bicycles.

Timing Chips and Disqualification Rules

Race timing is calculated strictly on a Net-Time basis using disposable electronic timing chips embedded on the back of the race bibs. Runners must adhere to the following rules:

* Do not bend, tear, cover with stickers, or physically damage the timing chip on the back of your bib. Keep it dry.

* Pin your race bib firmly to the front outer layer of your running top so it remains clearly visible.

* Timing chips are single-use disposable items and do not need to be returned after crossing the finish line.

* Disqualification Grounds: Unauthorised transfer or resale of entries, wearing multiple timing chips, deviating from the official course, failing to pass over timing mats, or wearing altered race bibs will result in immediate disqualification and a potential ban from future events.

Starting Group Assignments

Start waves are assigned to prevent congestion along the course. Wave priority is assigned using two criteria:

1. Uploading an official finish certificate from a previous race in the same distance via the RUNIT app prior to the cancellation deadline.

2. Declared target finish times entered during race registration.

*Important:* Starting in a group earlier than your assigned wave will result in the invalidation of your official race record.

Race Souvenirs and Prize Money

All registered participants receive a official race package delivered via courier prior to race day, containing the official event t-shirt and race bib with the embedded timing chip. Upon completing the course within the designated time limit, finishers receive a commemorative medal, finish-line snacks, and bottled water.

Official T-Shirt Size Guide (cm)

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Total Length | 65 | 67 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 2 |

| Shoulder Width | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44 | 45.5 | 47.5 | 2 |

| Chest Circumference | 94 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 116 | 5/7 |

| Hem Circumference | 94 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 116 | 5/7 |

| Sleeve Length | 20.5 | 21.5 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 1 |

| Armhole | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25.5 | 1/1.5 |

| Sleeve Width | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42.5 | 2/2.5 |

| Sleeve Opening | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34.5 | 36 | 1/1.5 |

| Neck Width | 19 | 19.5 | 20 | 20.5 | 21 | 0.5 |

| Neck Depth | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 0.5 |

*Note: Allow for a 1–3cm margin of error depending on measurement methods.*

Cash Awards

Prize money is awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in both the Half Marathon and 10km events based on Net-Time performance.

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Half Marathon (Men / Women) | 500,000 KRW | 400,000 KRW | 300,000 KRW |

| 10km Course (Men / Women) | 300,000 KRW | 200,000 KRW | 100,000 KRW |

*Eligibility Exclusion:* Athletes currently registered with the Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF) or those whose registration lapsed less than 2 years prior to race day are excluded from official prize standings. Any awards issued to ineligible runners must be returned.

Practical Tips

Race Day Transit and Venue Access

Due to extensive traffic controls and road closures across Seoul on race morning, using public transportation is strongly recommended for all participants.

* Half Marathon Start (Gwanghwamun Square):

* Seoul Subway Line 3: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 6 (towards Central Government Complex / Gwanghwamun).

* Seoul Subway Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 7 (towards Square Forest) or direct via the Haechi Madang connecting passageway.

* Main Bus Routes: Trunk Lines 101, 103, 109, 150, 160, 260, 270, 271, 273, 370, 401, 406, 470, 600, 601, 602, 606, 700, 702A, 702B, 704, 707, 708, 720, 721, 741; Night Buses N26, N37, N51, N75; Branch Lines 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7019, 7022, 7212.

* 10km Start & Finish / Half Finish (Jamsil Sports Complex):

* Seoul Subway Line 2: Sports Complex Station, Exits 6 and 7.

* Seoul Subway Line 9: Sports Complex Station, Exit 9.

* Main Bus Routes: Branch Lines 2415, 3217, 3411, 3412, 3414, 3417, 3322, 3422, 4319; Trunk Lines 301, 333, 341, 350, 342, 360, 345, N13 (Night); Direct/Express Lines 1100, 1700, 2000, 7007, 8001, 6900, 2000-1; Airport Buses 6000, 6006.

Traveler Checklist and Health

* Health Precautions: Runners should undergo medical checks prior to travelling to confirm fitness for long-distance running. Emergency medical personnel and ambulances are stationed along the route. Incidents and injuries are covered under the organizer's public liability insurance limits subject to fault evaluation.

* Checking Records: After crossing the finish line, official Net-Time performance metrics can be accessed by logging into your account via the RUNIT mobile application or website.

* Organizer Contact: For operational inquiries, contact the MBN Seoul Marathon Secretariat at 02-6052-0221, via KakaoTalk ID (`mbn서울마라톤`), or by mail at 301, 4 Seolleung-ro 133-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.