Running influencer dies after collapsing simply 500 meters from end line

Running influencer Yoo Ji-won has met her demise after collapsing simply 500 meters from the end line of a half-marathon.

The 25-year-old South Korean runner and KAIST graduate pupil was competing within the 2026 Seoul Race on October 11.

Medical workers carried out CPR earlier than taking her to a hospital, the place she later gave up.

Her official reason for demise has not been confirmed. 

Yoo Ji-won frequently shared her working journey together with her huge on-line following.

She grew to become unconscious at 8:49 a.m. Sunday, round 20.6 kilometers into the half marathon on the 2026 Seoul Race, in response to an announcement the organizing committee launched on Monday. The normal half marathon distance is 21.0975 kilometers.

A race official discovered her unconscious on a downtown avenue close to Jonggak subway station, which alerted emergency companies. She was subjected to CPR previous to being taken to a hospital in an ambulance; nevertheless, she by no means regained consciousness and handed on shortly thereafter.

“We pray for the repose of the deceased and extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family facing this sudden sorrow,” the committee said, including that it’s going to rigorously examine the case and take applicable actions.

An preliminary remark from a race official to native media advised that Yoo might have fainted after straining herself an excessive amount of, however no official findings have been launched but.

The race, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, drew round 12,000 runners to a half marathon and a shorter 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) race by means of central Seoul, together with landmarks resembling Gwanghwamun and Heunginjeongmun, town’s historic jap gate.