Steel industry professionals gathered once again for the 19th Steel Marathon. The event was held successfully in May at Misagyeongjeong Park under the slogan, “Steel Running Together, Tomorrow Taking Off.” Despite the early summer heat, participants enthusiastically completed the course and demonstrated the unity and passion of the steel industry. SeAH employees also enjoyed the event alongside their colleagues and families, making the most of the exciting day.

The 19th Milestone Fueled by the Passion of Korea’s Steel Industry

Unlike last year, when heavy rain threatened the event, this year’s race took place under temperatures that felt more like midsummer from the early morning. With the largest number of participants in the event’s history, excitement filled the venue even before the race began. As the LG Twins cheerleading team brought excitement to the crowd with its performance, participants warmed up and prepared for the start. TV personality Hanseok Kim returned as host for the second consecutive year and added even more excitement to the crowd. During the opening ceremony, Inhwa Jang, Chairman of the Korea Iron & Steel Association, welcomed participants. He said, “It is a pleasure to meet everyone from the steel industry gathered here today. I hope this event will become a memorable and meaningful experience for all.” Key figures from the steel industry, including Howard Lee, Vice Chairman of SeAH Steel, took the stage, followed by a ceremonial button-pressing event. Under the slogan “Steel Running Together, Tomorrow Taking Off,” the event officially marked the start of the race.

The presence of Akihashi Kato, Vice President (VP) of JFE Steel, added to the significance of the event and highlighted the spirit of international exchange and solidarity among steelmakers. At this year’s event, safety was the top priority. To accommodate the record number of participants, runners in the 10-kilometer race started in two separate groups, followed by three groups for the 5-kilometer course and a walking and family group. To help participants stay safe, heat-related illness prevention tips were provided throughout the venue, and five medical stations were placed along the course to provide prompt assistance when needed. Rather than focusing on rankings, the event emphasized safe and enjoyable participation for everyone.

Passion That Even the Heat Could Not Stop

At the sound of the starting signal, thousands of participants crossed the start line together. Even under the sun, colleagues ran side by side, families walked with strollers, and participants of all ages enjoyed the race at their own pace, which created a lively atmosphere. About 20 minutes after the start, runners from the 5-kilometer course began crossing the finish line. Around the 30-minute mark, participants in the 10-kilometer race also completed their runs, smiling brightly despite being soaked in sweat. After the race, participants gathered at the SeAH booth to enjoy lunch and take part in a lucky draw event. Various prizes, including a Dyson hair dryer and a Pulio calf massager, were prepared, and participants cheered and applauded whenever winners were announced.

VP Kato also joined the gathering and delivered a toast. He said, “It is truly meaningful to be here with everyone today”. “Seeing the SeAH family running with such energy has been very inspiring.” He then added with a smile, “By the way, I completed the 5-kilometer course in 60 minutes,” drawing laughter from participants. It was a heartwarming moment that reflected the spirit of solidarity among steel professionals across borders.

Every Step Today Becomes a Leap Toward Tomorrow

Sungjun Park, Head of Management at SeAH Holdings, once again took part in the 10-kilometer race and was the first to cross the finish line. “My goal was to finish within 40 minutes, but the weather was extremely hot, so I had to slow down and ended up finishing in just over 41 minutes,” he said. “I enjoy marathon running and usually participate in two or three full marathon races each year.” He added, “The Steel Marathon is like a festival for people in the steel industry. Seeing everyone run and cheer together gives me great energy. I definitely want to participate again next year.” Families were especially noticeable on the 5-kilometer course. Sanghoon Lim, a manager in the Quality Assurance Team at SeAH Besteel, participated with his family for the first time.

“My child is now five years old, so we thought this would be a good year to join together as a family,” he said. “I worried that the heat might be difficult for my child, but it turned out to be a very meaningful memory.” He added, “I belong to a marathon club in Gunsan, and this event has motivated me to train even harder.” Neither the heat nor the sweat could take away the joy of the day. Participants celebrated one another’s accomplishments, took commemorative photos, and proudly shouted “SeAH!”, filling the venue with laughter and energy. More than just medals, the 19th Steel Marathon left participants with lasting memories and a renewed sense of unity. It served as a reminder that every step taken together today represents a leap toward tomorrow—a message shared by everyone gathered at the event.