During a race near South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, 12 runners fell due to heatstroke.
Published April 20, 2026
A marathon was held in South Korea near the demilitarized zone with North Korea amid record temperatures, and eight runners were taken to the hospital with heatstroke, local authorities announced.
At Sunday’s race, temperatures approached 30°C (86°F) as much of the Korean peninsula burned under a warm front that resembled summer rather than typical mild spring weather.
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The Demilitarized Zone Peace Marathon in Paju city allows participants to test their stamina on a course that passes close to the highly sensitive area that separates South and North Korea.
According to local reports, fire officials said emergency services received a report of a participant collapsing along the race route in Munsan, a town in Paju city, around 10:30 a.m. (1:30 p.m. Japan time).
Twelve runners suffered symptoms including convulsions, dizziness and hyperventilation, officials told AFP news agency on Monday.
Eight people were taken to hospital, including one 43-year-old who required intensive care.
Officials said the affected runners appeared to have pushed themselves too hard despite the rising heat.
Fire authorities urged people to be on the lookout for signs of heatstroke and to “immediately stop exercising and cool down” if heatstroke occurs.
In the capital Seoul, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Paju, temperatures reached 29.4 degrees Celsius (84.9 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend, the highest in mid-April since modern record-keeping began in 1907.
The Korea Meteorological Administration told AFP that the heat surge was likely caused by a temporary weather system that pulls warm air north, a pattern sometimes seen in spring.
