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2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu

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2026-09-02 23:18 UTC → 2026-09-10 11:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, have grown into the largest event in the competition’s history, featuring approximately ~~11,176~~ 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.” ~~While the~~ The event ~~is expected to generate approximately 146 billion won in production effects, it~~ has ~~also~~ 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.

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