From Gym Class Aversion to Marathon Glory: Teacher Jeong Myeong-gyo Named Donga Marathon Athlete of the Year
A remarkable change has earned Jeong Myeong-gyo, a 30-year-old elementary school teacher from Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, the prestigious 2025 donga Marathon Athlete of the Year Award in the women’s 20s and 30s category. Once a reluctant participant in physical education, Jeong has blossomed into an “iron woman,” capable of conquering the grueling 42.195km marathon distance.
Jeong’s journey began in january 2022, initially motivated by a desire to lose weight. She shed 20kg within a year, but discovered a passion that extended far beyond physical transformation. “When I was young, I hated running and had no agility, so I was afraid when it came to gym class,” she recalled. “But as I gained so much weight in my social life, I had no choice but to run for my health.” That initial motivation quickly evolved into a love for the sport itself, and the profound sense of accomplishment that came with each training session and completed race.
Her dedication culminated in a personal best of 3 hours, 4 minutes, and 43 seconds at a full marathon last November, placing her on the cusp of achieving a sub-three-hour marathon – a coveted goal for manny seasoned runners. She has now completed 12 full marathons.
However, Jeong’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. In March 2023,during the 93rd Donga Marathon,she experienced a frightening episode of anaphylactic shock just two weeks before the race. “I collapsed from anaphylactic shock, an acute allergic reaction,” she explained. “I don’t know the exact reason, but I think it was problably due to a we
Zatopek, improves the body’s ability to sustain effort by repeatedly pushing limits and minimizing rest. Interval training also enhances the anaerobic threshold, delaying the buildup of lactic acid and allowing for more vigorous running.
Despite being unable to participate in the 2024 Seoul Marathon and the 94th Donga Marathon due to high demand, Jeong’s consistent performance and dedication were recognized with the 2025 Donga Marathon Athlete of the Year Award. Last year,she recorded times of 3 hours,6 minutes,and 8 seconds at the Seoul Marathon,3 hours,13 minutes,and 57 seconds at the Gongju Baekje Marathon,and 3 hours,6 minutes,and 6 seconds at the Gyeongju International Marathon. “I have won other competitions, but I was most happy to receive the Dong-A Marathon Athlete of the Year award. It is an honour just to participate, but I am very proud to receive such a big award.”
Jeong also leverages social media, with approximately 5,000 Instagram followers, as an ‘A-Racer’ for ASICS, sharing her training journey and inspiring others to take up the sport. “We provide strong motivation to our followers by saying, ‘I want to stand on that stage too,’ and focus on informing potential participants about the appeal of the competition.”
Beyond her personal achievements, Jeong is committed to instilling the values of perseverance and healthy living in her students. “I share with my children the process of preparing for and completing a full marathon course. When they see me setting goals, overcoming tough moments, and crossing the finish line, they also learn persistence and a sense of accomplishment.” She also emphasizes the importance of fair play and honest effort, principles inherent in the integrity of marathon running.
Jeong’s ultimate goal extends beyond simply improving her time. “My first goal in a marathon is to achieve a sub-three while having fun,” she stated.”I want to achieve a sub-three, which is every marathoner’s dream, but I don’t want to lose the essential joy of running because I’m buried in impatience. My second goal is to be ‘active for life’ by standing on the main track even when I become a gray-haired grandmother.” For Jeong Myeong-gyo, running is not merely a passion, but a lifelong companion, a source of health, and a powerful means of inspiring others.
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