The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon offers a challenge amid picturesque landscape, writes Emilia Gazali
SPRING in Gyeongju, the historic city of North Gyeongsang Province, 390km from Seoul, has more than just cool, crisp air and flower-covered vista.
It has the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, a blood pumping activity set amid cool, flowery-scented weather.
The annual event is held at the peak of the cherry blossom season to make it one of the must-run routes for marathoners in the region.
For centuries, the historical city of Geongju served as the capital of Silla Dynasty (BC 57-935), the longest reigning period in South Korean history. After a millennium, the remaining evidence of the great reign is still apparent in the city which is also called a “museum without walls”. With 52 designated cultural assets, the Gyeongju Historic Area was designated Unesco World Cultural Heritage in 2000.
To run along a route lined with cherry blossom in a city that plays an integral park in Korean history inspires even those who are not avid runners. It lets them marvel at the sights and admire fallen cherry blossoms as they huff and puff to the finishing line.
From Gyeongju World Cultural Expo Park, the route takes runners across the city, passing landmarks such as Bomun Lake, Gyeongju Shila Country Club, Gyeongju Country Club, Tomb of Seol Chong, Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, Dongguk University, Seagyeongju station, Gyeongju city hall and Gyeongju Citizen playground, among others.
Last April, I was a spectator. As there were over 15,000 runners from 39 countries, it was no surprise that I would run into a few Malaysian runners.
Among them were first-time runners Munirah Shahrani, Haniza Sulaiman and Mimi Fauzana who participated in the 5km run with their families. They came from Ulsan, their home in South Korea since March last year, following their husbands who have been stationed there.
“We joined for the sole purpose of exercising and to view the cherry blossoms,” said Mimi Fauzana who finished her run in 30 minutes.
Noor Azra Mat Seman, who came all the way from Malaysia to participate, was inspired by the scenery. “How many times can you say you’ve run through fallen cherry blossoms, in a city famed for its historical sites?” said the 34-year-old telco employee who ran with her running mate, Wan Norazreen Wan Ariffin.
This marathon is listed in a runner’s website, under must-run routes, so I am not going to miss this run. We were viewing the scenery, taking our own sweet time, plus the occasional stop to take pictures.”
Noor Azra took 1:25 to complete her 10km run but her regret was not her record.
“I made a mistake by not checking the Korea Tourism Organisation or KTO website before making the payment for the marathon. We had registered and paid the full amount before my friend pointed out that KTO provided a registration service at a discounted price,” she said.
For those who wish to participate in the next marathon, registration usually opens months earlier and it is advisable to give the KTO website a visit.
Those in Kuala Lumpur can also drop in at the KTO information centre in Korea Plaza for advice on where to go, which route to take and suggestions on halal food and other Muslim-friendly requirements. KTO also provides coupons and discounts for rides, eateries and transportation.
HOW TO GET THERE
A network of bus coaches links Gyeongju to surrounding cities. From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, it is 3 hours and 35 minutes, from Daegu city, it’s about 50 minutes and from Busan Central Bus Terminal, it’s about 50 minutes.
There’s also a high speed train from Seoul, Dongdaegu or Busan station to Singyeongju Station.
AirAsia X flies from Kuala Lumpur to Busan four times a week and to Seoul twice daily. Details at www.airasia.com .