Marathoner Is Korea’s ‘Next Big Thing’

“The next big thing” among Korean marathoners, 25-year-old Ji Yeong-jun is as confident as ever as he prepares for the 2006 Seoul International Marathon (also known as the 77th Dong-A Marathon) on March 12.

Ji’s confidence comes from successfully completing three months of intense marathon training in Kagoshima, Japan and Goseong, Korea. With memories of the 2005 Seoul International Marathon and his inability to participate due to an injury driving him, finishing the training program without any setbacks was a blessing for Ji. “The preparation is over. I’ll do my best and set the national record,” Ji said.

Ji finished second and was ranked as the third-fastest finisher in the 2003 Seoul International Marathon with a time of 2:08:43. His goal in the upcoming marathon is to break the national record time of 2:07:20, set by Lee Bong-ju in 2000. Ji is also determined to outrun world marathon stars such as last year’s champion William Kipsang of Kenya and Gert Thys of South Africa.

Ji trained in Kagoshima, Japan, a training ground made famous by Japanese female marathon legend Takahashi Naoko. Sticking with a program drawn up by his new coach Nakata Koichi, Ji ran about 40 kilometers per day. He also went through an intense speed training course in Goseong early last month.

Ji trained to keep a steady pace by running each kilometer in three minutes. He is now focusing on finishing up his speed training program in Seoul.

Ji’s plan is to set the new national record in the Seoul Marathon and lead Korea to its fifth straight marathon win at the Asian Games to be held in December in Doha, Qatar. After two-time Asian Games champion Lee Bong-ju forfeited the upcoming race, the responsibility of continuing Korea’s winning streak since the 1990 Beijing Asian Games has fallen on Ji Yeong-jun.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com