The Red Bull 400 Pyeongchang, set for September 21, will challenge athletes to sprint up a ski jump with a maximum incline of 38 degrees — in reverse. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
PYEONGCHANG, Jul. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – In a daring fusion of sport and entertainment, the town of Pyeongchang has announced the return of what many consider the world’s most grueling uphill race.
The Red Bull 400 Pyeongchang, set for September 21, will challenge athletes to sprint up a ski jump with a maximum incline of 38 degrees — in reverse.
Announced on July 22, the race is a collaborative effort between the Pyeongchang Legacy Foundation and the global energy drink company Red Bull. This unique competition, which combines athletic prowess with spectator appeal, will take place at the ski jumping venue used during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
The event marks a revival of the race after a five-year hiatus, having first been held in South Korea in 2019. It’s part of a broader initiative to utilize the Olympic facilities year-round, breathing new life into the winter sports complex during the warmer months.
“We’re excited to bring back this extraordinary event after five years,” said Sim Jae-guk, the mayor of Pyeongchang. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the versatility of our Olympic legacy facilities and attract visitors outside the winter season.”
The competition will feature individual races for men and women, as well as men’s, women’s, and mixed relay events. Participants will face the daunting task of scaling the ski jump — a challenge that pushes even elite athletes to their limits.
In the lead-up to the main event, organizers have planned a series of promotional activities throughout August. These include an uphill race at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul and a street race in the historic Haebangchon neighborhood.
Tickets for the Red Bull 400 Pyeongchang went on sale on July 22 through Interpark, a major online ticketing platform in South Korea.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
