Company Sales Soar When Employees Run Together

“The marathon is the driving power behind the company’s growth.”

Wia Corporation (formerly Kia Heavy Industries), an automotive parts company located in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, is a “marathon company.” Six hundred fifty-five workers will participate in the Dong-A Ilbo 2004 Gyeongju Open Marathon to be held in Gyeongju on October 31. This means one-third of the 1,800 employees are participating. Two hundred people will run the full course.

President Kim Pyung-kee (58) started the marathon boom within the company. When the mother company Kia went bankrupt and ownership changed to the Hyundai Motor Company in 1999, Kim Pyung-kee promoted the marathon in order to reform the troubled atmosphere of the company. He started the “Company Health Running Competition” and often held competition among positions, such as directors, deputies, regular employees, etc. These days, departments play against each other as well. There are about 10 marathon clubs within the company. The number of participants has increased by 100 every year since 2001.

As running became more widespread, the company sales rose and accident rates fell to the lowest level within Changwon Industrial Complex. Sales have risen more than 10-fold compared to 1999; this year’s sales are worth two trillion won and next year’s sales are expected to reach three trillion won.

As a “marathon company,” the marathon skills of the employees are remarkable. Around 50 employees ran the full course within three hours at the Seoul International Marathon held this March, and Lee Dong-gil (29) set the Masters’ record with 2:25:6.

President Kim said, “I like the marathon because it is an honest sport in which you achieve for as much as you have trained. Dong-A Gyeongju Marathon is a festival for our employees. I hope all participants have a good time.”

Sung-Kyu Kim kimsk@donga.com