Daegu hosts record-breaking 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships

The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships (2026WMAC) is currently underway in Daegu, South Korea, marking the largest event in the competition's history. Approximately 11,176 participants from 106 countries are competing, with South Korea sending the largest delegation of roughly 8,000 athletes.

Notable athletic achievements include American Kenton Brown setting a new world record in the men's 100m for the 80+ age group with a time of 14.16 seconds. South Korean athlete Shin Haeng-cheol, 71, secured two gold medals in the 10km and 800m races for the men's 70+ category.

The event serves to promote Daegu as an international athletics hub and is expected to generate approximately 146 billion won in production effects. International participants have praised the city's cleanliness, hospitality, and cultural attractions, such as the 83 Tower and various traditional markets.