A Marathon of Sharing

The 2007 Seoul International Marathon, which is also the 78th Dong-A Marathon, is a marathon of sharing for “us” not “me,” as can be seen in the slogan, “42.195 is Love.”

The “One Won for Every Meter Campaign,” which first began at the 1996 Dong-A International Marathon, continues this year as well. This campaign, which collects one won for every meter that participants run and donates it to the needy, is now a major event that is included in most major marathon events.

“One Won for Every Meter” is a system in which participants decide on a certain distance, and donate money according to the distance after reaching their goal. Many participants invite other people around them to participate as well. After the race, the money that is collected is sent online (Kookmin Bank 099-01-0255-422) to World Vision, an international relief organization, in the participant’s name. Beginning this year, participation through the Marathon of Sharing website (www.love42195.org) is also possible.

Some marathoners say that those that are more fortunate should donate 10 won for every meter. Professor Mun Song-cheon of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), who has been donating 421,950 won for every marathon he has participated in since 1999, is the practice’s biggest advocate.

“Old Clothes of Love” and “Beautiful Store” events, which first began in 2004, will be held as well. Instead of giving out vinyl clothing to participants for the purpose of maintaining body temperature, as was done in the past, participants are encouraged to bring old clothes to wear. This also serves the purpose of reducing pollution caused by waste plastic and recycling resources.

The Beautiful Store mends and washes the clothes that participants take off when the marathon begins, and provides them at low prices to new owners. The profits will go to the needy and those who work for them. Donations of these clothes, books, and other general used goods that are reusable can be made through Beautiful Store donation bins around the marathon venue.

why@donga.com