Woman Death at Seoul Run, Who Was Yoo Ji-won? Her Regular Running Records and Activities

I have compiled the usual running records and activities of the KAIST graduate student runner, who was Yoo Ji-won, the person who collapsed and died 500 meters before the finish line of the half-marathon at the 2026 Seoul Run (Seoul Race).

Anyone who has visited a running community lately will know what I'm talking about 😢

There was some very unfortunate news regarding the 2026 Seoul Run (Seoul Race) held last weekend.

It is said that a female participant in her 20s running the half-marathon collapsed with only 500 meters left to the finish line and eventually passed away.

Many people are heartbroken as reports emerge that the deceased was Yoo Ji-won, a KAIST graduate student and active running influencer.

Today, along with the circumstances of the accident, I will calmly summarize only the facts known so far regarding what kind of runner Yoo Ji-won was. I'll give it a try.

1. The Seoul Run Accident: What Happened

The accident occurred around 8:49 a.m. on October 11.

A participant in the half-marathon reportedly suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed while passing the 20.6km mark.

Since the official distance of a half marathon is 21.0975km, the finish line was literally right in front of me. 😭

The place where it collapsed is known to be Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, near Cheonggyecheon-ro, close to Jonggak Station.

🚑 A competition official at the scene called 119.

💡 Perform emergency measures such as CPR

🏥 Transport to a nearby medical facility by 119 ambulance

😢 Received treatment but ultimately passed away

The organizing committee announced the death through official channels on the following day, the 12th, and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family along with wishing the deceased peace in the afterlife.

They also stated their position that they would carefully examine the matter and take necessary follow-up measures.

2. Who is Yoo Ji-won? AI semiconductor research at KAIST

After the news of the death was announced, attention was also focused on the identity of the deceased.

Several media outlets reported the deceased participant as Yoo Ji-won, a KAIST graduate student.

Mr. Yoo was a talented individual researching AI semiconductors It is known as ✨

The fact that you continued to run and consistently participate in competitions amidst a busy graduate school life where studying alone would have been enough makes my heart ache even more.

However, the real name was not mentioned in the organizing committee's official announcement, and Yu Please note that the identity of Ji-won was revealed through media reports. Please do it.

3. His usual running record was elite-level.

Although Yoo Ji-won was not a former athlete, she was a runner with one of the best records among amateurs.

2026 Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon April 2026 10km Masters Women's Winner 🏅

2026 Seoul Marathon (Full Course) March 2026 2 hours 56 minutes 32 seconds, Sub-3 (Some reports)

In particular, 'Sub-3' is a record of completing the full 42.195km course in under 3 hours.

It is a level achieved by only a very small number of amateur female runners, making it a dream record among runners. It is called 💡

4. Running influencers who shared the joy of running on social media

Mr. Yoo was not just a runner with good records.

It is said that he has been sharing the charm of running with many people by consistently posting his running routines and race reviews on social media.

Perhaps that is why I heard that communication with his followers and fellow club members he ran with was also active.

Tribute comments from acquaintances and fans are continuing to pour in on the deceased's last social media post.

When I see posts reminiscing about the time we ran together and offering prayers for his soul, it makes my heart ache even more because I can feel how much he was loved as a runner.

Taking this opportunity, If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness while running, you must take care of your body before your record. That kind of talk is coming up a lot among runners 🙏

I sincerely pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. Who is Yoo Ji-won, who died at the Seoul Running Race?

A. According to media reports, she is a female runner in her 20s who researched AI semiconductors as a graduate student at KAIST and has been active as a running influencer on social media.

Q. Where exactly did the accident occur?

A. It occurred around 8:49 a.m. on October 11 at the 20.6km mark of the half-course, near Cheonggyecheon-ro, close to Jonggak Station. It was about 500m from the finish line.

Q. What is Yoo Ji-won's representative record?

A. She won the 10km Masters Women's division at the Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon in April 2026, and some reports also highlighted her sub-3 record of 2 hours 56 minutes and 32 seconds for the full course at the Seoul Marathon in March.

Q. Has the cause of death been determined?

A. It has not been officially disclosed yet. The organizing committee has only stated that it is closely examining the matter and taking follow-up measures.