Korean running influencer, 25, dies after collapsing 500m from half marathon finish line

A 25-year-old South Korean running influencer and university student passed away after she collapsed just 500m from the half marathon finish line of the 2026 Seoul Race.

500m from finish

The 2026 Seoul Race took place on Oct. 11.

According to Chosun Daily and Chosun Biz, the influencer, Yu Ji-won, was competing in the half marathon format.

A half marathon is about 21.1km long.

She collapsed just 500m shy of the finishing line near the 20.6km mark at around 8:49am.

She received medical attention on-site before being conveyed to the hospital.

However, she eventually passed away.

In a statement, the race's organising committee offered their condolences to Yu's family.

They also said they will look into the incident.

Runner was student at prestigious university

Yu, born in 2001, was a student at the prestigious Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul Economic Daily reported.

According to her Instagram bio, she was pursuing a master's, researching artificial intelligence semiconductors.

Her bachelor's degree was from Ewha Womans University.

Chosun Daily described Yu as an amateur runner recognised for winning the 10km Masters women's division of the 2026 Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon this April.

Based on her Instagram posts, Yu had also ran the full marathon at this year's Seoul Marathon in March.

Following her passing, condolences have been left by followers on Yu's latest Instagram post.

Korean celebrities have also joined the chorus of condolences.