- Approx. 1,000 Participants… High Praise for Sea Bridge Course and ‘Zero’ Safety Accidents

Yeosu City (Mayor Jung Gi-Myoung) announced that the ‘2025 Yeosu Eleven Bridge Marathon,’ held on November 29, concluded successfully with an enthusiastic response from participants despite being the inaugural event. Through this race, the city also confirmed its potential to grow into an international competition.

The marathon featured Half and 10-kilometer courses crossing the five bridges that connect Jobal Bridge, Dunbyeong Bridge, Nangdo Bridge, Jeokgeum Bridge, and Paryeong Bridge. Approximately 1,000 participants enjoyed the unique experience of running on sea bridges while taking in Yeosu’s breathtaking scenery.

Participants expressed high satisfaction, commenting, “It was a unique course rarely seen in Korea,” and “I was in awe of the outstanding scenery unfolding on both sides.”

Renowned national marathoner Lee Bong-Ju, after running the course himself, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It is a top-tier course that would be suitable for an international event, provided the assembly point issues are resolved.”

Additionally, the event demonstrated the effects of regional tourism linked with sports, as some participants visited nearby islands such as Nangdo Island to enjoy Yeosu tourism after the race.

This event was particularly meaningful as it was held after overcoming previous cancellations due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Itaewon tragedy. It was evaluated as a safe event with zero accidents, thanks to the participation of over 200 volunteers and thorough safety management.

The organizing committee spared no effort in securing safety, including deploying patrol boats and private fishing vessels to prepare for any contingencies.

To ensure the successful operation of the event, Yeosu City held weekly meetings centered on the Sports Support Division for two months, conducting continuous site inspections and resident promotions. The city also established a support system based on public-private collaboration through ongoing consultations with relevant agencies, including the Yeosu Police Station, Yeosu Coast Guard, Goheung-gun, and Goheung Police Station.

Mayor Jung Gi-Myoung, National Assembly members, and city and provincial council members attended to celebrate the start of the race, while Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok encouraged the event through a congratulatory message.

Kim Kyung-Ho, chairman of the Yeosu Eleven Bridge Marathon Organizing Committee, stated, “Thanks to the dedication of Yeosu City and the volunteers, we were able to safely complete the first event.” He added, “Starting next year, we will develop it into an even more polished competition and make the Eleven Bridge Marathon a representative event for regional sports tourism.”