KBS announcer Uhm Ji-in completes first full marathon in 3:31:14

KBS announcer Uhm Ji-in completed her first full course marathon at the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon, finishing the 42.195km race with a time of 3:31:14. Despite initial concerns regarding rain and toe pain, she successfully completed the challenge following training that began in the spring.

KBS announcer Uhm Ji-in crossed the finish line in the 3-hour 41-minute range during her first-ever full course marathon. Having prepared thoroughly since the spring, including purchasing a package worth in the 400,000 won range, she expressed overwhelming emotions while revealing her finisher's medal, noting that despite initial concerns about rain and cold, she enjoyed the race throughout. Beyond simply completing her first full course, her passion for marathons was evident as she is already planning her next challenge.

On the 1st, Uhm Ji-in shared photos on her social media alongside news of her completion of the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon. "I completed my first full marathon," she stated, explaining that it was a race she had prepared for since spring, even purchasing a package in the 400,000 won range. She noted that this was not a one-time challenge but the result of long-term training and equipment preparation.

During the training process, she received assistance from seniors and instructors. "I followed senior Kim Ki-man, who was training for a sub-3 goal, and thanks to Director Kim Yong-taek, I was able to correct my form and undergo intense training," Uhm said. She also expressed gratitude to her senior who acted as a pacemaker for her as she faced her first full course. The challenge was not achieved through her will alone, but was the result of professional training and encouragement from those around her.

The weather on the day of the event was not smooth. While she had great concerns before the start due to the rain and low temperatures, she said that once she began running, the weather was actually suitable for running. "This was the first race that was so enjoyable throughout the run," Uhm said, expressing her emotion: "It was a race where dopamine rose naturally from the start to the end due to the massive crowds of supporters. I realized today for the first time why people participate in major races." She shared that the experience of running amidst large-scale cheering enhanced the joy of finishing.

The toe pain she had worried about before the race fortunately did not become a major issue. She had been concerned because her toes would hurt whenever she ran long distances, but she revealed that she felt no pain during the 42km run while wearing new running shoes. "The shoes really helped a lot," she said, expressing satisfaction. As shoe choice and foot condition can affect both records and the ability to finish long-distance runs, she felt the importance of prior preparation.

The final time released by Uhm Ji-in was 3:31:14. In her first full course challenge, she completed 42.195km and achieved a significant result by recording a time in the 3-hour 40-minute range. "To be honest, I have participated in many races before, so I wasn't particularly moved by medals, but this medal feels somewhat grand," she said, giving special meaning to her first full course finisher's medal.

Before the lingering emotions of the finish could fade, she announced her next challenge. "My head is already full of plans for the next one," Uhm said, though she added that for today, she would relax and recover with a massage. Having completed the first full course she had prepared for over a long period, it is understood that she intends to challenge new goals after sufficient recovery.

Uhm Ji-in meets viewers through appearances on the KBS 1TV current affairs and education program Morning Forum and the KBS 2TV entertainment program Boss in the Mirror. Following her diligent image shown on broadcast, she has now drawn attention with her challenge of running 42.195km. Her first full course completion, achieved through everything from purchasing a 400,000 won range package to steady training and help from seniors, remains an achievement beyond just a record.

Read the original (Korean)