85-Year-Old Marathoner Inspires with Health Secrets: How Running is the Key to Longevity

Translation result

From 85 to 3 years old, runners hit the course together in a show of shared spirit.

The oldest entrant in the 3 Major Rivers Marathon was Seong-hwan Lee (85). Born in 1942, Lee was making his fourth appearance in this race and completed the 6.2-mile (10 km) course. He calls running a tonic for his health.

\”I’m usually the healthiest person at any gathering — that’s because of running,\” he said. \”Running is a life tonic, so I’m determined to keep myself healthy at this event, too.\”

His passion for running runs deep. He’s logged about 100 races nationwide, and marathons have become an indispensable part of his life.

\”I can feel myself getting healthier when I run, so I enter races all over the country, not just in Daejeon,\” he said. \”I don’t plan to stop competing.\”

The youngest participant was Da-eun Choi (3). Born in 2024 and just turned three, she joined her parents on their first marathon outing. With the family making \”health\” their goal this year, she toddled onto the 3.1-mile (5 km) course following her mom and dad.

Her father, Eun-seong Choi, smiled and said, \”We signed the kids up as part of our plan for weight loss and family health. I’m glad we could create healthy memories together.\”

The family also views this race as a springboard to try more sports. They’ll start with running and expand into other activities so the children can gain a range of experiences essential for healthy growth.