ISSUE

A time of harmony while walking together, Hosting the 2018 Eoullim Marathon Competition with the Blind

On September 15th, the 2018 4th Annual Eoullim Marathon Competition with the Blind hosted by the Seoul Sports Association for the Differently-abled and the Seoul Blind Sports Association and organized by the Seoul Blind Sports Association and the Korea Blind Sports Association, was held.

Both differently-able[visual, physical(amputee and other different-able), auditory, intellectual, developmental] and non-differently-able people are able to participate in this competition. It is a very meaningful marathon competition in that it was conducted with 3 harmony events including half course-competitive/10km-competitive/5km-non-competitive event.

This competition, which has 1,900 participants including 1,650 competitors (450 differently-abled, 1,200 non-differently-abled), 29 operating personnel, 20 executives, and 200 volunteers, is an event where the differently-abled and the non-differently-abled form a team (over 2 people) to complete the race. There are no limitations regarding differently-able type or age, and it is not composed based on gender.

In this competition a blind person and a non-differently-abled person(guide runner) are paired up 1:1 so that they can enjoy the marathon without fear. It also is a meaningful event in that the differently-abled and non-differently-abled(guide runner) run together in sync to gain both an emotional connection as well as better health. In addition, considering the characteristics of the different abilities of the blind, safety fences were placed in many locations around the course, and safety personnel and volunteers who had received prior training were placed to conduct a safe competition

As participating in this event, which begins at Yeoido and goes along the Han River track to Banghwa Bridge and back each September, is becoming acknowledged as a meaningful part of community service, it is gaining a larger fan base. In addition, as the participation fee excluding the prize money is donated by the host the Seoul Blind Sports Association to funds that aid the blind, it is an event that is even more meaningful. We look forward to this competition cementing its position as a forum for harmony where joy can be felt through the harmony marathon regardless of difference in ability.