Ann Bang completes first marathon

Ann Bang shows off her finisher’s medal and certificate completion after running the Park Love Marathon last Saturday in Seoul, South Korea.(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Run Saipan long-distance master Ann Bang placed another feather on her cap after completing her first marathon event last Saturday in South Korea.

The 49-year-old took part in the Park Love Marathon in Seoul and finished the 42-kilometer run in 5:41:52.

Bang said the Park Love Marathon is a popular running event for veteran marathoners in the country for the past 20 years. It’s held every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at the same time and place.

She added the president of Korea Marathon TV has been running the event at his own expense for all people who love running.

“I was pleased to know this organization and completed my race successfully.”

Asked what’s the most challenging part of her first marathon, Bang said it was the searing hot weather.

“The hardest part of this run was absolutely the hot weather! I started running around 6am, but it was already hot and sunny. The temperature of the race day was 95 degrees fahrenheit and there was no wind. I strived to keep running without a walking break because once I walk or stop running, it’s not easy to run again.”

Meanwhile, her favorite part of the Park Love Marathon was the warm welcome she received from everyone.

“Most participants are veteran runners who have completed full marathons more than 100 times. They tried to help and encouraged me to complete my race. While I was running, they cheered me with an energetic shout-out of ‘Go Saipan!’”

What made Bang’s full marathon feat more impressive was she completed it despite being under the weather in the runup to the event. 

“I couldn’t prepare well for this race because I was sick for 10 days. Since I ran 20 kilometers 10 days ago, I couldn’t run and I just took a lot of rest and took medicine. So, I hesitated to participate in this race, but I decided to run. I want to share the joy of completing my first full marathon with all my friends and fellow members of Run Saipan,” said Bang.

The next challenge for Bang, who returns to Saipan on July 23, is the JTBC Marathon on Nov. 5.

“It is one of three major races in Korea and 35,000 runners will participate. I’m so excited about this race because I will run through the heart of Seoul!”

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. congratulated Bang for her latest achievement.
“Ann Bang is one of the—if not the most—intense runners I have ever met. If she says she will do something running related, she will obliterate that goal. Congratulations Ann for the first of many official marathons you will be running!”