A 90-year-old Korean American, who began running marathons in his 80s, has completed the full course of the world’s six largest marathons within a decade and is now set to take on the challenge of running a marathon in Antarctica early next year.
According to Canadian journalist Kwangho Song, reporting on November 21, the man’s name is Jack Yoo, a resident of Chicago.
Yoo started running marathons in 2013 for his health when he was 80 years old.
He first participated in the Chicago Marathon in 2013, finishing with a time of 3 hours, 30 minutes and 38 seconds. This was followed by marathons in Tokyo (2014), Berlin (2014), Boston (2015), New York (2016), and London (2017), all completed in times around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
“I first participated in the Chicago Marathon, where I live, and completed the 6 World Marathon Majors until the London Marathon in 2017,” Yoo recounted. “Last month, I participated in the marathon in Cape Town, South Africa, finishing in 4 hours, 28 minutes, and 36 seconds.”
Born in Cheongju in South Korea, Yoo was sent to Germany as a miner in 1964 but chose not to return and instead immigrated to the United States. There, he established a career as a dry cleaner.
After retiring at the age of 70, he spent 12 years working as a missionary in China.
“I am preparing to compete in the Antarctica Marathon 2024 on March 11, 2024,” Yoo said. “I continue to do light exercise every day, including table tennis and walking.”
The Antarctica Marathon, organized by an American travel company, has been held annually since 1995. The event involves a 13-night, 14-day trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to King George Island and back.
BY JEONGIL RYU, JUNHAN PARK [ryu.jeongil@koreadaily.com]
