# 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/daegu-preparations-for-2026-world-masters-athletics > Updated: 2026-09-10T08:51:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 8. The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, have grown into the largest event in the competition’s history, featuring approximately 11,200 participants from 106 countries. South Korea has provided the largest delegation, with roughly 8,000 athletes. Athletic milestones 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 has secured two gold medals in the 10km and 800m races for the men’s 70+ category. Poland has also emerged as a major contender, with its delegation securing 76 medals, including 37 gold, 21 silver, and 18 bronze. Standout performer Ewelina Brzezina earned five gold medals in the W35 category. Additionally, 90-year-old Kim Myung-rak completed the men’s 100m semifinals, noting his primary goal was to “finish the race safely.” The event has served as a significant driver for local tourism. Following the opening, Daegu reported a surge in foreign visitors, with participation in the ‘Modern Alley Tour’ increasing more than fivefold and visits to tourist information centers rising fourfold. Other notable increases include a 40% rise in Apsan Cable Car usage and a nearly 70% increase in visitors to Dongseong-ro Sparkland, with some hotels reporting occupancy rates exceeding 80%. To enhance the experience for international participants, the Suseong Cultural Foundation and the Daegu Kansong Art Museum launched ‘Korean Breath,’ a program offering traditional performances such as Sijo-chang, Salpuri-chum, and Seungmu, alongside meditation sessions. Despite these successes, the championships have faced organizational scrutiny regarding registration delays and an incident involving tournament ambassador Hwang Young-cho, while continuing amidst regional heatwave warnings. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Poland wins 76 medals at World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu Poland secured 76 medals, including 37 golds, at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, with strong performances across various track and field disciplines. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-wins-76-medals-at-world-masters-athletics-championships-in-daegu ### 2026-09-02: Daegu tourism surges during World Masters Athletics Championships The 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships has driven a surge in foreign tourism to Daegu, South Korea, while local foundations introduced traditional cultural programs for international visitors. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-tourism-surges-during-world-masters-athletics-championships ### 2026-08-25: Daegu hosts record-breaking 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, has reached record scale with over 11,000 athletes from 106 nations competing in various age categories. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-hosts-record-breaking-2026-world-masters-athletics-championships ### 2026-08-23: Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships underway in South Korea At the 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships, 90-year-old Kim Myung-rak completed the 100m sprint, while the event faced criticism over registration errors and ambassador Hwang Young-cho's race path. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-world-masters-athletics-championships-underway-in-south-korea ### 2026-08-14: Kyungil University volunteers to support 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships Kyungil University’s ‘KIU Bridge’ volunteer group will provide interpretation and guidance for 10,000 participants from 106 countries at the 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyungil-university-volunteers-to-support-2026-daegu-world-masters-athletics-championships ### 2026-08-13: Daegu prepares charitable donations for 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships Organizations are donating tickets and 150 million won worth of clothing to support participants of the 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-prepares-charitable-donations-for-2026-world-masters-athletics-championships ### 2026-08-07: Daegu prepares for World Masters Athletics Championships Daegu prepares to host the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships, welcoming over 7,500 athletes from 106 countries for 34 sporting disciplines and various cultural programs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-prepares-for-world-masters-athletics-championships ### 2026-07-30: Daegu Announces Industry Blueprint, Readies 2026 Masters Athletics Daegu Mayor Choo unveiled a new industry strategy covering AI and robotics while also prepping for the 2026 World Masters Athletics, which will draw 10,100 participants from 106 countries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daegu-announces-industry-blueprint-readies-2026-masters-athletics --- Cite as: 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/daegu-preparations-for-2026-world-masters-athletics