Sports · Running & Athletics · 2 hrs ago
Park Seo-yeon finishes first marathon despite unexpected period pain
South Korean runner Park Seo-yeon finished seventh in the women's marathon at the National Sports Festival in Jeju on October 18.
The 22-year-old clocked 2 hours, 48 minutes and 51 seconds in her first full marathon.
Around the 25-kilometre mark, her period began unexpectedly, although she said she had menstruated about two and a half weeks earlier.
She described severe cramps, weakness and hills along the course, and said she kept going to honor a promise to herself not to give up.
Her finish drew praise for her determination, but some people also warned that athletes' health should come first when pain is severe.
Her experience has also brought attention to menstruation, a subject often avoided in discussions of women's sport.
Park said she hopes to return in better form; no further plans were reported.
Park Seo-yeon completed her first full marathon at the National Sports Festival in Jeju, finishing seventh in 2:48:51.
The 22-year-old said her period began unexpectedly at about the 25-kilometre mark, despite having had it two and a half weeks earlier.
She described severe cramps, weakness and the course’s repeated hills, and said she kept running to honour a promise not to give up.
Her account drew praise for her determination as well as concern that running through severe pain could put her health at risk.
- Who
- Park Seo-yeon, a 22-year-old runner with Hapcheon County Office.
- What
- She completed her first full marathon in 2:48:51 and finished seventh.
- When
- October 18; the year is not stated for the race.
- Where
- The 107th National Sports Festival marathon in Jeju, South Korea.
- Why
- She said she continued to keep a promise to herself not to give up.
Fans praising her determination
Fans concerned about her safety
Aspect
Fans praising her determination
Fans praising her determination
Fans concerned about her safety
Fans concerned about her safety
Her decision to finish
Fans praising her determination
They said completing the race despite unexpected period pain showed remarkable willpower.
Fans concerned about her safety
They said health should come first and she should not have pushed on if the pain was severe.
Park Seo-yeon competed in the women’s marathon at the 107th National Sports Festival in Jeju.
She said her period began unexpectedly and she developed severe cramps and weakness.
She shared her experience on social media and said she had finished seventh.
- Runner
- Park Seo-yeon, 22, of Hapcheon County Office
- Race
- Women’s marathon at the 107th National Sports Festival
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres
- Result
- Seventh place in 2:48:51
- Race location and date
- Jeju, October 18
3 sources
What people are saying
I wanted to keep the promise I made to myself not to give up again.
I was really surprised and wanted to give up.