‘Sports Chosun’ reporter Lee Wooju reports that MBN’s marathon reality show ‘Run to Survive’ is set to premiere on the 19th. The show features 16 ‘novice runners’ who are tackling the challenge of running a full marathon for various personal reasons. Led by Sean and Lee Young-pyo, the show promises entertainment, authenticity, and inspiration, prompting great anticipation. Ahead of the first episode, the key points to watch in ‘Run to Survive’ have been highlighted.
# Birth of the First ‘Marathon Reality Show’!
‘Run to Survive’ is Korea’s first marathon variety show, chronicling the journey of 16 ‘novice runners’ as they attempt to complete a marathon of 42.195 km. From those with running experience to complete beginners, each participant undertakes the challenge with varying levels of fitness and motivation, all determined to finish the marathon. The group successfully completed a ‘5km marathon’ as a test in early March, and have since been engaged in rigorous training under the leadership of team manager Sean and deputy manager Lee Young-pyo. They will participate in the ‘Yeongjongdo Marathon’ organized by MBN on April 19, and will also compete in the ‘Boseong Marathon’ to select the final MVP who will earn the opportunity to run in one of the world’s top seven marathon events, the ‘Sydney Marathon.’ There is mounting curiosity about which star among the 16 will seize the honor of participating in the Sydney Marathon.
# From Sean and Lee Young-pyo to Heo Jae and Yang Jun-hyuk…the Dream Line-up!
The announcement of ‘marathon philanthropy angel’ Sean and former national soccer player Lee Young-pyo as team managers has drawn much attention. The show also features a star-studded lineup of participants, including Heo Jae, Bang Eun-hee, Yang Jun-hyuk, Yang So-young, Han Sang-bo, Jung Ho-young, Bae Yoon-jung, Jang Dong-sun, Son Jeong-eun, Jo Jin-hyung, Choi Joon-seok, Sleepy, Kim Seung-jin, An Sung-hoon, Yul-hee, and Lee Jang-jun, who all show a sincere passion for marathon running.
The selected coach for the novice runners is former national marathon athlete Kwon Eun-joo. She is joined by former track athlete Lee Yeon-jin, Korea’s top athletic creator Sim Euddeum, and celebrity marathon record-holder Koh Han-min, forming a dedicated coaching team to support the ‘Run to Survive’ crew. Sports commentators Bae Sung-jae and Yang Se-hyung have been appointed to bring the live challenges of the runners to viewers, creating even more excitement around the show.
# Heartfelt Stories and Fierce Challenges Leading to ‘Empathy + Inspiration’
With this golden line-up, the 16 novice runners are setting out on the marathon challenge each carrying their own narratives. Heo Jae hopes to inspire people in his age group, Yang Jun-hyuk realizes his physical limits while raising a child, and Yul-hee wants to show that divorce is not a failure in life and provide hope to those in similar situations, motivating her to run.
Team manager Sean emphasized, “Each of the 16 has a personal story. Running is not just for physical health, but a way to overcome life’s challenges and stand back up. A healthy body is a basic requirement for this.” Deputy manager Lee Young-pyo noted, “Many people run not just for health but to heal their hearts. We hope the show becomes a healing experience for both the participants and the viewers.” Lee also commented that Heo Jae, Yang Jun-hyuk, and Choi Joon-seok might face the hardest challenges but reassured, “Being the best is not necessary. Just running with sincerity is in itself moving,” showing his full support for their challenges and growth.
Meanwhile, announcer Yang Se-hyung, also a ‘running enthusiast,’ shared, “After my discharge from the military, I was left without work or an agency when my comedy show was canceled. It was tough, and I ran along the Han River aimlessly. That’s when I felt truly alive. Since then, I’ve recommended running to friends experiencing panic disorder or burnout.” He added, “I hope through the growth stories of these ‘novice runners,’ many people find courage and hope,” encouraging viewers to tune into the show.
In addition, ‘Run to Survive,’ in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Korea, will engage in charitable activities to improve the living conditions of the descendants of independence activists. With each episode, donations will be made in the name of the MVP, correlating to the distance the ‘novice runners’ have run. MBN’s 30th-anniversary special project ‘Run to Survive,’ featuring stars from various fields with their reasons for participating in marathons, will premiere on April 19, Saturday, at 8:20 PM.