The upcoming Seoul Han River Ultra Marathon is causing a significant clash between Seoul City and the event organizers, leading to confusion among participants. The city has even hung banners at the event site declaring it an "unauthorized illegal event" as tensions escalate.
The controversy began when banners were installed around Ttukseom Han River Park, stating, "The Seoul Han River Ultra Marathon on May 16 is an unauthorized illegal event," and warning that "the organizers will bear all responsibility in case of accidents, as the event is being held without approval from the Han River Headquarters."
In response, the organizing committee for the Seoul Han River Ultra Marathon quickly pushed back. They issued an official statement asserting that the event is a legitimate one conducted through proper procedures, claiming that Seoul City and certain related agencies are exerting excessive pressure under the pretext of citizen inconvenience and safety concerns.
The committee emphasized that the organizers do not have the authority to forcibly control citizen traffic and that participants must adhere to the guidance of safety personnel on-site. They stressed that the Han River is a space for all citizens and that running is a freely chosen activity.
However, the backdrop to this conflict includes a large-scale drone show scheduled for the same day in the Han River area. It is believed that the city may have deemed it challenging to manage safety effectively with both a massive influx of spectators for the drone show and the lengthy 100km ultra marathon occurring simultaneously.
Indeed, ultra marathons are known for their extended operational hours and significant variations in participant stamina, making them more complex to manage safely. Concerns have been raised about the potential for accidents, especially in a space like Han River Park, which is popular for walking and cycling among citizens.
Participants eagerly awaiting the marathon expressed their frustration, stating, "I have already paid for the entry fee, accommodation, and transportation, yet suddenly I am being treated as part of an illegal event," and questioned, "Why should participants feel anxious due to the conflict between Seoul City and the organizers?" Conversely, some participants have demanded refunds, citing the city's negative stance toward the event.
Meanwhile, there are growing complaints among Seoul residents about the frequency of running events in the city center and around Han River Park. Online commenters have remarked, "Traffic jams and inconveniences occur every weekend," and "It's difficult to enjoy a walk along the Han River due to running events," with some noting, "With the drone show alone attracting crowds, the addition of a 100km marathon would have made congestion severe."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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