Ever Run Across the Ocean?

๐Ÿƒ‍♂️ Give 'N Race: Running Across the Busan Sea for a Beautiful Cause

Every year in early April, thousands of passionate runners take over one of Busan's most magnificent landmarks — and run straight across the open ocean.

Gwangan Bridge, Busan | Photo: Busan Tourism Organization (visitbusan.net)

That unique phenomenon is the Mercedes-Benz Give 'N Race (๊ธฐ๋ธŒ์•ค ๋ ˆ์ด์Šค), a highly anticipated annual charity run that sends a massive wave of 20,000 runners across the upper deck of the iconic Gwangan Bridge [Visit Busan Map #10], with the deep blue East Sea stretching out on both sides. It is beautifully equal parts high-energy workout, coastal festival, and heartwarming community moment.

๐Ÿค Running is Giving: 100% of Entry Fees Donated

The event has been going incredibly strong since its debut in 2017, jointly organized by the Mercedes-Benz Social Contribution Committee, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Children and Future Foundation (์•„์ด๋“ค๊ณผ๋ฏธ๋ž˜์žฌ๋‹จ).

The defining soul of this race is its radical transparency: 100% of the entry fees go directly to funding education and medical support for underprivileged children and youth. No deductions, no exceptions.

Since its humble launch with just 2,000 people, the Give 'N Race has grown into one of Busan's premier spring gatherings. By the conclusion of the 13th edition held on April 5, 2026, the event officially crossed a historic milestone—surpassing ₩8.6 billion ($6.3M+ USD) in cumulative donations, with this year's single race alone generating over ₩1.02 billion through a new voluntary special donation program.

๐ŸŒŠ The Scenic Course & Premium Runner Perks

  • The Routes: Runners can challenge themselves with either an 8km or a 10km course. Both distances kick off from the spacious outdoor plaza at BEXCO [Visit Busan Map #11], head straight up onto the towering Gwangan Bridge, and wrap up with a celebratory finish line on the sandy shores of Gwangalli Beach [Visit Busan Map #6].

  • The Swag: The ₩50,000 entry fee offers unparalleled value. Every participant receives high-quality athletic gear, a beautifully crafted finisher's medal, and access to a massive post-race celebration. The event wraps up in festival style with a live outdoor concert featuring some of South Korea’s most popular K-pop and indie musicians.

๐Ÿ“… Pro-Tips for Future Competitors

Because it offers the rare chance to run on a closed highway suspended over the ocean, securing a spot in the Give 'N Race has become notoriously difficult. For the 2026 edition, all 20,000 slots completely sold out in a record-breaking 15 minutes. > ๐Ÿ’ก Plan Your Spring Trip Early

Registration typically opens online a couple of months before race day—usually around early February. If you are planning a trip to South Korea in the spring, keeping an eye on the official Give 'N Race schedule might just be the best reason to book your flights early.

There are few more breathtaking ways to experience Busan than crossing the finish line on Gwangalli Beach with a medal around your neck, a fresh ocean breeze on your face, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing your footsteps helped change a child’s life for the better. ๐Ÿพ


๐ŸŒ ํ•œ๊ตญ์–ด ๋ฒ„์ „ ๋ธ”๋กœ๊ทธ (Korean Version)

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read the Korean version of this story here!


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