A much-anticipated annual marathon recently concluded, showcasing the unmatched running prowess of its participants. A huge part of this yearly race is AIRian, a Web3-based running project. In collaboration with the Dong-A Media Group, a very influential group of South Korean news and media companies, a community of global runners has united to dominate the event which takes place every year in the capital and largest metropolis in South Korea: Seoul.
1931: Where It All Began
Officially known as the Seoul Dong-A Marathon, the Seoul International Marathon, or simply Seoul Marathon, was established in 1931. It holds the prestigious title of being an IAAF Platinum Label road race, making it a highly respected event in the running world. It’s also the second oldest marathon in the entire world, just behind the Boston Marathon.
Dubbed “The Miracle in the Han River,” the Seoul International Marathon winds through key landmarks of Korea’s modern history. Starting at Gwanghwamun Plaza, it passes by the city hall and the reconstructed Cheong-Gye-Cheon stream before concluding at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium.
Last year, Adidas was one of the race’s sponsors, and they shared some highlights in this awe-inspiring event film.
Seoul Marathon IP by Dong-A Media Group
The intellectual property rights of the marathon are owned by the Dong-A Media Group, a luxury media group founded in 1920 which manages a wide range of publishing, broadcasting, and digital media ventures. These include Sports Dong-A, DUNet, Dong-A Science, and Dong-A.com.
A strategic alliance with Dong-A.com has equipped AIRian to bring a multitude of running and marathon events onto Dong-A’s various premium running events, including Seoul Marathon and all the other 16 running IPs.
Enter AIRian: Bringing Web3 to the Fore
AIRian CEO Jay Chung outlined the distinct roles of both AIRian and the Dong-A Media Group for The Shib. The media giant offers support for the Web2 functionalities of the Seoul Marathon IP, while AIRian adds its expertise in Web3 technologies.
“Dong-A is the oldest company in Korea. Dong-A is in its 105th year and has a lot of businesses. It’s too huge an organization to apply the legacy to Web3, so AIRian proceeds with everything in Web3 [for] Dong-A,” Chung said.
March 17 marked the triumphant return of the Seoul Marathon for the second time after COVID-19, as it had been on hiatus for years due to challenges caused by the pandemic. Runner X, AIRian’s revolutionary dAPP, was the highlight of the event, providing each participant with an enriched marathon experience.
The AIRian Culture and Legacy: Shaping the Future of Running
AIRian has a long-standing marathon tradition that goes beyond just Seoul. With a collection of more than 16 events, each adding a distinct element to the marathon experience. The AIRian team has worked on a ticketing system through Runner X, inviting runners from all corners of the globe to be part of the AIRian adventure.
With this interplay between Web3 and running as a sport, AIRian aims to welcome 150,000 marathoners to its growing community, strengthening the cultivation of a global culture among its members.
There are 300 million runners worldwide, and AIRian has secured its position as the dominant force in the Korean running and marathon landscape.
“The ultimate goal is for AIRian to become the world’s largest running community,” CEO Jay Chung said.
