Cheongju's Simsumcheon stream hosts 'Museureon,' a marathon with no trash

Cheongju is hosting the 'Museureon' (No Trash Run) on October 24th along the Simsumcheon stream, an event designed to be entirely waste-free. Organized by the Cheongju Chungbuk Environmental Movement Federation, the 10km race will span from the Simsumcheon Sports Park to the Mihogang river confluence.

The 'Museureon' distinguishes itself by eliminating disposable cups and banning plastic water bottles; participants are provided with reusable cups. Even the timing chips used to track runners are reusable and must be returned after the race. This focus on sustainability extends to the race bibs, which are crafted from donated shopping bags. After the race, these bibs are folded into circular medals as souvenirs.

Beyond the run itself, the event emphasizes community engagement and local produce. Participants will receive a meal of vegetable bibimbap and drinks made with local agricultural products. Various social enterprises, civic groups, and clubs will also offer hands-on recycling and upcycling activities.

The participation fee is 45,000 won, with registration open until August 31st for the first 1,000 runners. Park Jong-soon, secretary-general of the Cheongju Chungbuk Environmental Movement Federation, stated the event's goal is to embed environmental activism into daily life, creating a model where both citizens and the environment benefit. He expressed hope for the event to become a regular fixture if it receives positive feedback and proves effective.

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Museureon is planned with the intention of rooting environmental movements in daily life. Museureon will be a model for both citizens and the environment to become healthy. If the effects and reactions are good, we plan to make it a regular event.