This is the most unique marathon or even the most unique sport race I have ever joined in my life. The 2008 Masai Marathon was taken place at Daejon, around 3hours drive from Daegu. My Korean teacher initiate the idea of joining this race, so most of all my Korean class friend went there. We arrive there just before the race start, around 10am.
What was so unique about this race, one might ask. First of all the race is in a mountain road, which means, it was a small pathways with uphill and downhill and also thousands of people. So its not the normal asphalt road.
Second of all all the participants are advised not to wear any footwear, so you have to be bare-feet.
The participants was not only marathon fans or runners or athletes, but it was for everyone. Whether you are man, woman, children or oldman; from Korea, USA, Japan, Indonesia, India etc; whether you even disable people join this marathon
As usual, in any normal marathon, they have some sort of pit stop or a check points where you can have waters and some food. In this marathon we also have checkpoints, but not only water and food, there are also live musics. But not only that, there also a view performances like dances and traditional korean folk song, and all these are during the marathon.
Beside that, you also have a mud road along the way. I'm not really sure what's the reason they made this road. But it was fun.
At the finishing line, there are also cheerleaders shouting "Hwaiting...hwaiting...". a Korean way to encourage people.
After the race we got our medal, in the form of a foot made of wood, which is very unique. And then we also receive a Souvenir including 2 bottles of Soju (Korean traditional Alcohol drink). And we can enjoy a Soju cocktail after the race while watching some performances.
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