Marathon legend Lee Bong-ju [Newsis]
Marathon legend Lee Bong-ju [Newsis]

Lee Bong-ju, widely known as the nation's marathon hero, is drawing strong support after recovering from a rare disease and returning to running.

A video titled "Bong-ju Runs Again Today" was recently posted on the SK Telecom YouTube channel.

The clip shows Lee training ahead of the 2026 Infinite Challenge Run in Gyeongju, set for Saturday.

"Running is about mental strength," Lee said in the video. "As long as you keep your mind focused, nothing can stop you." On equipment, he said his two legs are the most important gear and that he has no desire for anything beyond that.

Lee revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with dystonia, a rare neurological movement disorder, drawing widespread concern. Reports later emerged through various broadcasts that his condition had been severe enough to bend his neck 90 degrees, deepening worries about his health.

But Lee never let go of his goal to run again. After consistently dedicating himself to rehabilitation, he returned to the public eye in noticeably better shape.

In June, he appeared on singer Shin's YouTube channel "With Shin." Lee said his body was "about 80 percent" recovered, adding that he starts every morning with a run and continues to build up his fitness.

In July, he competed in the half marathon at the 2026 Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland, Australia, finishing in 1 hour, 39 minutes and 55 seconds.

Lee's decorated career began with a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, followed by gold medals at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He also won the Boston Marathon in 2001.

His Korean national record of 2 hours, 7 minutes and 20 seconds, set at the 2000 Tokyo International Marathon, has yet to be broken.


min3654@heraldcorp.com