Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon swims during the 2023 Han River Renaissance Festival Aquathlon. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Apr. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul will be the stage for the inaugural “Slow and Steady Han River Triathlon Festival” (translated) on June 1 and 2, inviting participants to complete swimming, cycling, and running events within 48 hours at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Gwangjin District, the city government announced on April 23.
Planned personally by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, an avid all-around sportsman known for competing in international triathlons, this event prioritizes completion over speed or record-breaking. Participants can choose courses tailored to their fitness levels and complete the three disciplines – swimming, cycling, and running – at their own pace over the two-day period.
There are two course options: the “Slow and Steady Beginner” (15K) course open to all citizens, and the “Slow and Steady Advanced” (31K) course for experienced triathletes and swimmers.
The swimming leg offers distances of 300m and 1km. Children under 13 and beginners can complete one lap (200m) in a separate outdoor pool designated as the Beginner Swimming Zone to earn official completion status.
The cycling routes include a 10km course (from Ttukseom Hangang Park to Jungnangcheon Bridge, returning from Yongbi Bridge) and a 20km course (Ttukseom Hangang Park to Jungnangcheon Bridge, Yongbi Bridge, and returning from Banpo Bridge). Participants can use rental bikes, tricycles, or children’s balance bikes.
The running options are 5km and 10km courses, allowing participants to walk, run, or take breaks as needed. Participants can even push strollers during the event.
Citizens interested in participating can search for “Slow and Steady Han River Triathlon Festival” on Naver and register through the Naver reservation system. During the reservation process, participants can select their preferred date and time for the event. Additional on-site registrations will be accepted on the event days. A total of 10,000 participants will be admitted, with an entry fee of 20,000 won.
“Unlike traditional triathlons reserved for highly trained athletes, the Slow and Steady Han River Triathlon is an inclusive festival of everyday fitness that anyone can challenge,” said Kim Young-hwan, director of Seoul’s Tourism and Sports Bureau. “We hope many citizens will participate in this unique way to enjoy the Han River.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
