Pohang Marathon

PohangNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea

Next race

Sunday, 25 October 2026

8:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Pohang Marathon attracts approximately 5,000 finishers each October through South Korea's steel-city port on the East Sea. The course passes Hwanho Park, the POSCO steelworks waterfront, and the Homigot sunrise square area with coastal views. October's mild Korean autumn makes it a popular regional race on the southeast coast.

Pohang Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 5,000 finishers

Weather: Mild autumn
13–16°C · humidity 60–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Pohang Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Pohang Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts and finishes at Hwanho Park or the Pohang city centre. The loop follows the East Sea coastline, passes the POSCO waterfront, and reaches the Homigot area. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.

Registration

Pohang Marathon entry requirements

The Pohang Marathon accepts entries through pohangmarathon.co.kr, using open registration when places remain available and a lottery when demand exceeds capacity. Sign-up for the May race typically opens in April. The modest field size on South Korea's east coast makes general entry more accessible than Seoul-area ballot races.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pohang Marathon elevation profile?: The Pohang Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Pohang Marathon?: The Pohang Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing at Hwanho Park or the Pohang city centre.
What time does the Pohang Marathon start?: The 2026 Pohang Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Pohang Marathon start?: The race starts and finishes at Hwanho Park or the Pohang city-centre festival area. The coastal loop is mapped in pre-race materials.
When is the Pohang Marathon?: The Pohang Marathon is held in October, typically on the fourth Sunday.
Is the Pohang Marathon flat?: The coastal course is largely flat with gentle undulations. It is less hilly than Busan's coastal marathon.
What is Pohang known for?: Pohang is home to POSCO, one of the world's largest steelmakers, and Homigot — the easternmost point of South Korea where the East Sea sunrise is celebrated.
What weather should I expect in Pohang in October?: October in Pohang is mild autumn weather, often 12–20 °C (54–68 °F) with sea breezes along the East Sea coast.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Pohang.

GyeongjuNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea· 25 km away

Gyeongju Marathon

The Gyeongju Marathon attracts approximately 3,156 finishers each October through Korea's ancient Silla dynasty capital — an open-air museum of temples and royal tombs. The course passes Bulguksa Temple approach, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Anapji Pond on flat Gyeongju basin roads. October's mild Korean autumn and UNESCO heritage scenery make it one of the country's most culturally distinctive marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 17 October 2026

DaeguDaeguSouth Korea· 72 km away

Daegu Marathon

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

BusanBusanSouth Korea· 107 km away

Busan Marathon

The Busan Marathon draws approximately 15k finishers each January through South Korea's second-largest city and premier port. The course passes Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Bridge, and the Busan Cinema Centre on a coastal loop along the East Sea. January's crisp Korean winter and sea-breeze scenery make it the country's largest winter marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027

GongjuSouth ChungcheongSouth Korea· 206 km away

Gongju Baekje Marathon

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

GunsanNorth JeollaSouth Korea· 239 km away

Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

ChuncheonGangwonSouth Korea· 251 km away

Chuncheon Marathon

The Chuncheon Marathon in South Korea's Gangwon province draws about 12,000 finishers each October around the scenic Soyang Lake and city waterfront. Chuncheon is known for dakgalbi and as a filming location for Korean dramas, and the marathon course highlights the lake, Uiamho suspension bridge, and mountain-framed reservoir views. Autumn foliage and cool October weather add to the appeal.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Find a Marathon →

Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration

Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration

How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

View all marathon guides →