OncoRun Marathon Unites Cancer Communities in Seoul

A Day of Hope and Movement

On the morning of the 8th, over 700 people gathered at the main stadium of Yonsei University’s Sinchon Campus in Seoul’s Seodaemun District. The air was filled with energy as participants chanted, “Exercise defeats cancer!” Many wore matching blue T-shirts, representing a shared cause. Most of them were cancer patients and their families, united by a common goal: to promote the benefits of exercise in cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival.

The event, called OncoRun, was organized by Yonsei University’s Department of Sports Applied Industry and the Cancer Prevention Center at Yonsei Cancer Hospital. Combining “Oncology” and “Run,” the marathon aimed to raise awareness about how physical activity can positively impact those battling cancer.

Personal Stories of Resilience

Cho Yoon-seong, 59, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer two months ago, shared his experience. He underwent one surgery and is scheduled for another next month. “I run for an hour every day to survive,” he said. After retiring from 30 years of work at a nuclear power plant, he had planned to start a “second life” when he received the cancer diagnosis. “It felt like the sky had fallen.” His father also passed away from lung cancer at the same age. “Running with fellow cancer patients gives me strength,” he added.

Participants had the option to choose between a 5 km run or a 3 km walk course. The route started at Yonsei University’s Sinchon Campus and ended at Ansan Dulle-gil. Near the finish line, participants patted each other’s backs while catching their breath. Some expressed surprise that the run was more manageable than they expected. Others reached for water bottles, showing signs of both exhaustion and triumph.

A Supportive Community

An Do-kyung, 53, from Sejong, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer last year and has been undergoing anticancer treatment. She said, “The event motivated me to run for 30 minutes every morning and do stretching in the evenings.” Her participation highlighted the growing awareness of how exercise can play a role in cancer care.

Before the run, a professor from Yonsei University’s Department of Sports Applied Industry gave a lecture to participants. He emphasized the importance of moderate aerobic exercise, such as 150 minutes of walking per week, combined with bodyweight strength training. “These activities can significantly improve survival rates,” he stated.

The Power of Physical Activity

The OncoRun marathon not only served as a platform for raising awareness but also created a supportive community for cancer patients. Participants found strength in each other, sharing experiences and encouraging one another throughout the event. For many, the run was more than just a physical challenge—it was a symbol of hope and resilience.

As the sun rose over Seoul, the participants left the stadium with a renewed sense of purpose. Their efforts reflected a growing movement that recognizes the vital role of exercise in the fight against cancer. Whether through running, walking, or simply taking part, each individual contributed to a larger message: that movement can be a powerful ally in the journey toward healing and recovery.