The running world is reeling after the sudden death of a beloved influencer who collapsed during a race in Seoul on Sunday. Yoo Ji-won, just 25 years old, was taking part in the Seoul Race half marathon when she fell at the 20.6-kilometer mark, just steps from the finish line. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to a hospital, she was pronounced dead.
Organizers of the Seoul Race confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Thursday, expressing their condolences and outlining the sequence of events. “On October 11th at around 8:49 AM, a participant on the half course of the Seoul Race collapsed at the 20.6km mark. After first aid on the scene, they were transported to a medical facility by an ambulance via 119 and received treatment, but unfortunately, they passed away,” the statement read. “We pray for the deceased’s soul to rest in peace and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
Yoo, who had amassed nearly 10,000 followers on Instagram through her running content, was known for her energetic personality and dedication to the sport. Her sudden passing has left a void in the tight-knit running community, both in South Korea and beyond.
A friend of Yoo's confirmed her death on Instagram, sharing a heartbreaking account of the moments after the race. “Near the finish line of the Seoul Race, I saw a crowd gathering and thought someone must have been hurt,” he wrote in Korean. “As soon as I crossed the finish line, I looked for you on the awards podium, but then came the unsettling news, and I began to sense a reality I didn’t want to believe. I dropped everything and rushed to the hospital, hoping to see you one last time, but I am so sorry I couldn’t stay by your side until the very end.”
An official cause of death has not yet been determined, leaving many questions unanswered. The organizing committee has promised a thorough review of the incident, stating, “We would also like to offer our condolences to the participants, whose hearts must be heavy upon hearing the tragic news of the deceased. The organizing committee will closely examine the relevant matters and take necessary follow-up measures.”
Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Yoo, remembering her as an inspiration and a source of motivation. “Rest in peace,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “Every time I saw her running in a video, I thought she was an amazing runner,” another added. “I will remember her for a long time to come.” A third echoed the sentiment: “I always cheered for you, but today I have to wish you rest in peace.”
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with endurance sports, even for young and seemingly healthy athletes. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of medical preparedness at racing events and the need for participants to listen to their bodies. The running community has come together to support one another in the wake of this loss, honoring Yoo's memory by continuing to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement.
Our thoughts are with Yoo's friends, family, and all those who were touched by her passion for running. Her legacy will live on through the countless runners she inspired to chase their own finish lines.
