Yoo Ji-won, South Korean running influencer, dies during Seoul half-marathon

Yoo Ji-won, a 25-year-old South Korean running influencer and graduate student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), died after collapsing during the Seoul Race half-marathon on October 11.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:49 a.m. near the 20.6-kilometer mark, roughly 500 meters from the finish line. Despite receiving immediate on-site first aid and being transported to a medical facility via ambulance, she passed away. The Seoul Race Organizing Committee confirmed the tragedy and expressed condolences to her family.

Yoo was a prominent figure in the amateur running community, known for her high-level performance. She had previously achieved a ‘Sub-3’ marathon finish and won a 10km race in April. While her sudden death has prompted discussions regarding the risks of endurance exercise, such as sudden cardiac arrest or heatstroke, the official cause of death has not yet been released.