Runners with and without disabilities hit the road together in S-Oil marathon

Thousands of runners both with and without disabilities ran side by side in a marathon in western Seoul on Sunday sponsored by S-Oil, the oil refiner said Tuesday.

Korea’s most celebrated marathoner, Olympian Lee Bong-ju, led some 2,300 runners, including families with children and people with disabilities, at World Cup Park. 

Lee battled dystonia, a rare disorder that left him with a hunched back, for four years. Though he has retired professionally, he reportedly still runs every morning to maintain his health. 

Sunday’s race was held to improve social awareness of disabilities. While the oil refiner was the sponsor, Rehabilitation International Korea, a private association representing those with disabilities, organized the event.

The race offered three categories: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), 10 kilometers and a 21-kilometer half marathon.

The race also presented awards, prize money and souvenirs to 36 runners.

“The marathon serves as an opportunity where those with and without disabilities can run together and understand each other,” a S-Oil representative said. “The company will support social inclusion agendas for those with disabilities and continue various social contributions.”

 BY LEE SOO-JUNG [[email protected]]