by Wonsuh Song
Early this week, the Tokyo Marathon took place, transforming the streets of the city into a grand stage for runners from all around the world. Watching a marathon is always mesmerizing, but I vividly remember one particular year when I stood on the sidelines and witnessed the lead pack of runners fly by. They were mostly tall, slender African athletes whose long strides carried them swiftly and effortlessly. Their legs seemed to lift almost vertically with each step, and their rapid foot turnover nearly blurred before my eyes.
As the lead runners passed by, the numerous ordinary people running dozens of minutes later appeared to be running more leisurely and with relatively shorter strides. Despite running the very same course, their physical capabilities, stamina, and personal drive all varied significantly. Seeing this physical disparity right before my eyes felt like a glimpse into the way our world works: individuals start the same journey, but each with distinct abilities and levels of determination.
It struck me just how much this resembled life. Some are born with natural gifts—whether athletic or otherwise—and, when combined with real effort, they can reach great heights (or in this case, finish lines) more quickly. Others might not have such ideal conditions, and even with steady training, it can be incredibly challenging to narrow the gap. Still, it doesn’t render their efforts meaningless. Their motivation and accomplishment might be found in taking the course at their own pace—perhaps running slower, or even stopping to walk for a bit—yet staying determined to cross the finish line. That perseverance, on its own, is admirable and meaningful.
Marathon events, in this way, bring together a broad spectrum of humanity onto a single course, each person waging a personal battle against their own limits. The elite athletes may blaze through in just a few hours, but every runner who sets foot on the road has a unique story. Some are aiming to break the four-hour mark, others just want to finish no matter how long it takes—each crossing of the finish line is filled with its own sense of triumph. It’s no wonder that marathons are often seen as a microcosm of life itself, where strategy, persistence, and mental strength all play a part.
People say that when a country’s GDP per capita exceeds around 20,000 dollars, more citizens become interested in long-distance running. With greater financial comfort and a growing interest in health, marathons gain popularity as both a personal challenge and a communal activity. In Korea, for example, the number of marathon events and participants has surged over the past few years. I myself have participated in more than ten marathon races. It’s not just the sense of achievement at the finish line that keeps me coming back; it’s the electric atmosphere at the starting line in the early morning, the energy from fellow runners, and the sense of camaraderie that emerges from running together. Even if you can never hope to match the pace of the world’s top athletes, just sharing the same road with them can stir up an extraordinary sense of excitement.
There’s also a lot to learn simply by watching a marathon. Thousands upon thousands of runners stream through city streets, carrying with them an undercurrent of passion and perseverance that can be deeply inspiring. Spectators cheering from the sidelines with applause and signs of encouragement embody the spirit of community. Certainly, some may complain about road closures and traffic, but in another sense, such mass events can foster a sense of togetherness rarely seen in day-to-day life. For a few hours, an entire city becomes one large stadium, brimming with determination and resilience.
Undeniably, there are vast differences in individual physical conditions and training levels. Some glide effortlessly; others struggle step by step. Yet all these people share the road, collectively pushing themselves. This shared journey reveals another vital lesson: Pacing. A runner might start off too strong trying to keep up with the leaders and burn out prematurely, or another might begin more slowly, only to gather strength later and achieve a satisfying finish. Life, in many ways, follows a similar pattern—we alternate between periods of striving and times of reassessment, sometimes pushing harder, sometimes holding back to conserve energy.
If you’ve never tried running a marathon, or even a 5K or 10K, it might be worth experiencing at least once—either by participating or by cheering from the sidelines. The fervor and sense of purpose that envelop a large running event can help lift some of life’s everyday burdens. Testing both your body and mind in a race can lead to surprising moments of insight and emotional reward.
Marathons aren’t about achieving something instantly just because we want it. They require systematic training, persistence, and careful preparation. Even then, not everyone can finish at the same pace. Some people cross the finish line hours behind others, but they all receive applause. In the end, it’s not about “when” you break the tape, but whether you refuse to give up on the journey to get there.
As a nationwide event that promotes both health and a sense of shared purpose, marathons offer an excellent opportunity to reflect on our own approach to life. Yes, physical conditions vary widely, but it’s inspiring to see how runners push beyond their limits in different ways. Hopefully, marathons will continue to grow as a communal celebration, igniting fresh challenges and strengthening solidarity among people. No matter the pace, everyone has their own finish line to reach—and that’s worth cheering for.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Representative of NKNGO Forum / Full-time Lecturer at Shumei University
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