What is the 2026 Daegu Marathon?
The 2026 Daegu Marathon is a road marathon event held in Daegu, South Korea, and is certified as a WA Gold Label event. It is organized by Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea Association of Athletics Federations (KAAF), Daegu Sports Council, and Daegu Association of Athletics Federation. The event is known for its high standards, accurate course certification, and suitability for elite runners.
What is the distance of the marathon?
- →Elite Full Marathon: 42.195km (26.2 miles)
What is the terrain of the marathon course?
The marathon course is entirely on paved roads, offering a smooth and consistent surface suitable for fast running times.
What is the route of the marathon?
The marathon route begins and ends at Daegu Stadium, with the course passing through the downtown area of Daegu. The route is designed to be flat, with minimal elevation changes, providing optimal conditions for competitive racing.
What is the start time of the event?
The 2026 Daegu Marathon will start at 9:00 AM KST on February 22nd, 2026.
What is the structure of the prize money for international athletes?
International category prize money includes:
- →1st Place: $200,000
- →2nd Place: $80,000
- →3rd Place: $45,000
- →4th Place: $27,000
- →5th Place: $20,000
- →6th Place: $14,000
- →7th Place: $11,000
- →8th Place: $9,000
- →9th Place: $8,000
- →10th Place: $7,000
What is the structure of the prize money for domestic athletes?
Domestic category prize money includes:
- →1st Place: 20 million won
- →2nd Place: 10 million won
- →3rd Place: 5 million won
- →4th Place: 3 million won
- →5th Place: 2 million won
- →6th Place: 1 million won
- →7th to 10th Place: No prize money
What is the structure of the domestic team award?
Domestic team awards include:
- →1st Place: 10 million won
- →2nd Place: 4 million won
- →3rd Place: 3 million won
- →4th Place: 2 million won
- →5th Place: 1 million won
Teams must have three members who finish within 2:30:00 for men and 3:00:00 for women.
What is the structure of the domestic leader award?
The domestic leader award includes:
- →1st Place: 5 million won
What are the Korean time bonuses for domestic athletes?
Korean time bonuses for domestic athletes include:
Men:
- →Under 2:09:30: 20 million won
- →Under 2:11:30: 10 million won
- →Under 2:13:00: 5 million won
Women:
- →Under 2:26:00: 20 million won
- →Under 2:30:00: 10 million won
- →Under 2:32:00: 5 million won
What are the record bonuses for the marathon?
Record bonuses include:
- →World Record: $100,000 (Men: 2:00:35 / Women: 2:09:56)
- →Daegu Marathon New Record: $10,000 (Men: 2:05:20 / Women: 2:21:07)
- →Korea New Record: 100 million won (Men: 2:07:20 / Women: 2:25:41)
- →Daegu Marathon Domestic Athlete New Record: 10 million won (Men: 2:08:30 / Women: 2:28:17)
What are the performance regulations and penalties for prize money?
Prize money is subject to reduction or exclusion based on finishing times:
1st Place Overseas Category Penalties:
Men:
- →Finish between 2:04:00 and 2:05:00: Prize reduced to $160,000
- →Finish between 2:05:00 and 2:06:00: Prize reduced to $130,000
- →Finish 2:06:00 or slower: Prize reduced to $100,000
Women:
- →Finish between 2:18:00 and 2:20:00: Prize reduced to $160,000
- →Finish between 2:20:00 and 2:21:00: Prize reduced to $130,000
- →Finish 2:21:00 or slower: Prize reduced to $100,000
50% Prize Money Reduction (Overseas Category):
Men: Finishing time exceeding 2:11:00
Women: Finishing time exceeding 2:32:00
Domestic Athlete Prize Exclusion:
Men: Finishing time exceeding 2:30:00 (Only placement/ranking recognized, no prize money)
Women: Finishing time exceeding 3:00:00 (Only placement/ranking recognized, no prize money)
What health considerations should participants be aware of?
Participants are required to check their health status before registration. The event organizers are not responsible for injuries or accidents during the competition, and medical expenses will be covered only under the regulations of the insurance company.
