Why Families Are Embracing the Daejeon 3-River Marathon: A Unique Experience for All Ages

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Volunteers who share a commitment to giving laced up their running shoes to run side-by-side along Daejeon’s waterways. On the 10th, Yu Ho-gi (46)·Lee Dong-hwan (46) lined up at the family-course start of the Daejeon Three Rivers Marathon with their children, 14-year-old Lee Hyun-seo and 9-year-old Yu Il-ri, each determined to finish.

The two men forged a close friendship through their volunteer work and joined the race on a colleague’s recommendation. Although the family course doesn’t record official times, the smiles at the starting line reflected the same enthusiasm they bring to volunteering — this was camaraderie and joy, not competition.

Lee Dong-hwan, running in a marathon for the first time, smiled and said, “I wanted to try something new and make memories with my kids.” Standing beside her father at the start, Hyun-seo said she was enjoying her first race. Yu Ho-gi added, “Although the mothers couldn’t join us, running and cheering each other on, just like at our volunteer events, will strengthen our bond. I want to keep making healthy memories with my children.”