Jeju Ultra Marathon

[Anchor Lead]

A challenging marathon took place on Jeju Island over the weekend where a team of runners with visual impairments from Korea and Japan took part. Here’s the story from Jeju Island.

[Pkg]

An ultra marathon race has kicked off where participants need to complete 100 kilometers in 15 hours. A special group of runners from Korea and Japan took part in the race. It's a tough challenge even for ordinary people. Yeom Dong-chun is one of them. He regained hope by picking up marathon running after he lost his sight at age 40.

[Soundbite] Yeom Dong-chun(Visually-Challenged Marathoner) : "I'm running for my health and self-fulfillment."

Running by his side as a helper is a participant from Japan. She is running alongside him to alert him against obstacles and to guide him to stay on course. Connected by a 30 centimeter-long string, the duo's goal is making it to the finish line.

[Soundbite] Non-Disabled Running Partner from Japan : "I should be caring for him but he's rather helping me and I'm running comfortably."

Six of these blind and non-disabled couples from Korea and Japan took part in the marathon. Visual impairments and language barriers have rather strengthened their trust in each other.

[Soundbite] Yeom Dong-chun(Visually-Challenged Marathoner) : "My partner is responsible for me so I need to trust her fully and follow her instructions. I trust her lead."

The 100k race in Jeju has left heartwarming stories that counteract the prejudice against the disabled. It has also transcended diplomatic conflicts brewing between the two Asian neighbors.