The Lotte Scholarship Foundation has donated 20 million won to support the health recovery and return to daily life for cancer patients and survivors through a running event.
On November 7, the foundation announced its donation to Yonsei Cancer Center during the '2026 Second OncoRun' held at Yonsei University's Sinchon campus. The funds were provided to the event's organizing body, Yonsei Cancer Center.
OncoRun is a combination of the words oncology and run. The event, organized by Yonsei University's Department of Sports Industry and the Cancer Prevention Center at Yonsei Cancer Center in collaboration with the Seodaemun District Office, aims to help cancer patients safely start exercising and maintain a consistent routine in their daily lives.
This year's event saw participation from over 1,100 individuals, including cancer patients, survivors, families, medical staff, local residents, and employees of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation. Participants chose between a 5km run starting from the university's main stadium and a 3.2km walking course around the campus.
Prior to the event, cancer patients received weekly training sessions throughout October, focusing on basic running techniques and bodyweight strength exercises under expert guidance. On the day of the event, lectures on cancer prevention and rehabilitation exercises were also conducted.
Jeong Yong-gwan, co-chair of OncoRun and a professor at Yonsei University's Department of Sports Industry, stated, "Patients undergoing cancer treatment walk, while survivors run, and families complete the course together, moving in ways that suit their bodies. Our goal is to help make OncoRun a stepping stone to regular exercise in daily life."
Jang Hye-seon, chairperson of the Lotte Scholarship Foundation, remarked, "The treatment process is challenging for cancer patients, and returning to daily life after treatment is also difficult. OncoRun is not just a running event; it is a supportive space for cancer patients to rebuild their daily lives."
She added, "I hope this event raises awareness about the importance of exercise and health among more people, and that social interest in cancer survivors grows."
Additionally, Chairperson Jang also serves as the chairperson of the Lotte Samdong Welfare Foundation, which was established in December 2009 by the late Shin Kyuk-ho, honorary chairman of the Lotte Group, to contribute to the development and welfare improvement of his hometown, Ulsan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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