Seoul Marathon
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Elevation Gain
30m
Elevation Range
16m
Avg Temperature
45°F / 7°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
This route is generated and may not follow the exact official course.
Course Overview
A flat loop course with under 30m total elevation gain, run primarily along the Han River at 12-20m elevation after an initial gentle descent from Gwanghwamun Square (28m). The one thing that makes Seoul unique is the 25km-long exposed Han River corridor where March winds of 15-25 km/h funnel through with no shelter, making drafting and pack-running skills as important as raw fitness.
Key Segments
Gwanghwamun to Han River
Terrain: Gentle 15m descent from Gwanghwamun Square through Jongno, past Namdaemun Gate, down to the Han River paths
Challenge: The slight descent and fresh legs naturally push pace ahead of plan. Massive crowds through central Seoul add adrenaline.
Tactic: Do not run these downhill kilometres too fast. Lock into goal pace by km 2. Enjoy passing Namdaemun Gate (km 4) but stay disciplined.
Han River Westbound
Terrain: Dead flat riverside paths (12-16m) along the Han River, wide and well-paved. Yeouido Hangang Park and cherry blossom area (km 10).
Challenge: Exposed river corridor with frequent March winds. Can feel monotonous on the long, straight riverside paths.
Tactic: Tuck behind pace groups to reduce wind effort. Practice holding steady rhythm on flat terrain. Take on nutrition at regular intervals.
Jamsil Turnaround
Terrain: Continues flat along the river to the turnaround near Jamsil and Olympic Park (km 27-29), with a brief 10m climb crossing to the south bank
Challenge: The course's only notable undulation arrives at a fatiguing point. Wind direction that was a tailwind outbound becomes headwind on the return.
Tactic: Keep cadence steady on the brief climb near Jamsil. Do not surge on the descent back to the river. Adjust for wind direction change after the turn.
Return to Gwanghwamun
Terrain: Flat river paths heading west, then a gentle 15m climb over the final 5km back up to Gwanghwamun through central Seoul boulevards
Challenge: The 15m rise over the final 5km is modest but can feel significant on tired legs. The mental shift from quiet river paths to dense city crowds.
Tactic: Use the transition to city streets and dense crowds as a mental boost. Practice finishing long runs with a slight uphill to prepare for this. The Sejong-daero boulevard crowds will carry you.
Race-Specific Training
- •Long tempo runs on flat riverside or canal paths to build the specific endurance and pace discipline this relentlessly flat course demands
- •Train in windy conditions when possible and practice tucking behind pace groups — the open Han River corridor offers zero shelter from March winds
- •Practice finishing long runs with a slight uphill (1-2% grade for the final 3-5km) to prepare for the gentle climb back up to Gwanghwamun
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
City centre at 28m, river paths at 12-20m. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Mid-March race. Temperatures 5-15C (41-59F) at race time. Mornings can start near freezing and warm quickly once the sun is up. Generally ideal for distance running.
Sun & Wind
Wind is the primary challenge. March brings westerly or northwesterly winds of 15-25 km/h through the open Han River corridor with no shelter. Sun is rarely a problem in March.
What to Wear
Disposable outer layer for the start — plan to shed by km 3-5. Gloves recommended for the first half as cold hands on the exposed river sap energy. Singlet and shorts for racing.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-7 | Goal pace (do not chase the descent) | Gentle descent to the Han River. Lock in early. The crowds through central Seoul are electric but do not surge. |
| km 7-21 | Goal pace (draft in wind) | Flat Han River paths. Attach to a pace group. Take on nutrition. Stay out of the wind when possible. |
| km 21-32 | Goal pace (steady through turnaround) | Jamsil turnaround and brief climb. Keep cadence steady. Adjust for wind direction change. |
| km 32-42.195 | Goal pace or best available | Return along the river, then 15m climb to Gwanghwamun. Use the dense city crowds as fuel for the final push. |
Race Day Tip
Seoul's public transit (subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun station) runs early on race day, and most runners use it to reach the start. Arrive early as the security screening at Gwanghwamun can be slow with 25,000-30,000 runners. Korean sports drinks at aid stations tend to be less concentrated than Western brands — consider carrying your own gels if you have specific fueling needs.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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