Yulhee shares her thoughts on completing a full marathon on the final episode of MBN's 'Run for Life'.
On the October 21st broadcast of MBN's variety show 'Run for Life', the 'Run Crew' took on their final mission: a 42.195km full marathon.
Assistant director Lee Young-pyo announced, "We will conduct a 42.195km full marathon for those who wish to participate."
Out of the 16 crew members, Bang Eun-hee and Heo Jae opted out. Bang Eun-hee cited a toe fracture, while Heo Jae stated, "I judged it would be too much for my body, which isn't what it used to be. I'll cheer for my juniors." Lee Young-pyo humorously supported their decision.
Yulhee, who consistently ranked as the top female runner, received her bib number 'Kanghwa Yulhee' and expressed, "I feel like I've finally found my true self."
Determined to challenge herself, Yulhee stated, "I promised myself to 'break my limits'. Not participating in the full marathon would leave that promise unfulfilled."
The marathon, dubbed 'Apartment Run', involved running 17 laps around an apartment complex, with a cutoff time of 6 hours.
As the marathon began, crew members started showing signs of physical strain. Lee Jang-jun recalled the nightmare of foot surgery that almost ended his trainee days. Bae Yoon-jung and Son Jung-eun withdrew due to knee and foot pain.
Yulhee also struggled with leg pain after the halfway point, admitting, "Getting past the first hurdle was tough, and more kept coming." Coach Yeon-jin encouraged her, saying, "Don't walk, don't compromise."
At that moment, a video message from Yulhee's mother and sister was revealed. They sent a heartfelt message, "Yulhee, you can do it. I've seen you run, and you can truly make it. I'm cheering for you." Yulhee, moved by the message, found the strength to continue.
On the final lap, Yulhee expressed gratitude to Han Sang-bo, who acted as her pacemaker, saying, "It's a cliché, but it holds a unique meaning," as he encouraged her with words like, "You can finish slowly. You're amazing. You're always the best."
Fighting her own battle, Yulhee said, "I pushed myself to the limit, using every ounce of strength," and crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 27 minutes, and 10 seconds.
Reflecting on her experience, Yulhee stated, "Rather than feeling like I've graduated from life's hardships, I feel like I've learned how to find happiness through the marathon."
Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr