Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban and coastal plain road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each April on an urban and coastal plain road in Gunsan, South Korea. Its pancake-flat terrain makes it a popular speed course in Korea. The route passes harbor districts, flat reclaimed-land roads, and open western-coast scenery. The course is very flat throughout.
Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 5,000 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes on Gunsan-area roads. The route passes harbor districts, flat reclaimed-land roads, and open western-coast scenery. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon course is flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Registration
The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon accepts entries through gunsanmarathon.com, using open registration when places remain and a lottery when demand exceeds capacity. Sign-up for the April race typically opens one to two months beforehand. International runners apply through the same portal; the regional field is more accessible than ballot-heavy Seoul majors.
Getting there
Gunsan Airport / Gunsan Air Base (KUV)
12 km / 7 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Gunsan.
The Gongju Baekje Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each October on a historic city road in Gongju, South Korea. The ancient-kingdom history gives the race a distinct cultural frame within Korean road running. The route passes Baekje-era heritage areas, river sections, and roads through the old capital. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 19 September 2027
The Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each May on an urban road in Hwaseong, South Korea. It is one of Gyeonggi Province's biggest spring full marathons and is designed for family festival participation as well as racing. The route passes broad city roads, parkland, and the growing urban landscape of Hwaseong south of Seoul. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Incheon Marathon attracts approximately 12k finishers each March through the port city west of Seoul. The course passes Songdo International Business District, Incheon Bridge, and the Wolmido waterfront with views across the Yellow Sea. March's mild Korean spring and flat reclaimed-land terrain make it a fast early-season race in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
The Daegu Marathon attracts approximately 28k finishers each April through South Korea's third-largest city in the humid southeast. The course passes the Suseongmot Lake, Daegu Stadium, and the Geumho River parklands on a flat loop through the textile capital of Korea. April cherry-blossom season and mild temperatures make it one of the country's largest spring marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Seoul International Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 20k finishers on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. The course starts and finishes at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The route passes City Hall, the Han River, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Mostly flat with gentle rises on Han River bridge crossings.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
The Seoul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each November on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. It is a separate mass-participation autumn race from the spring Seoul International Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
