Marathon Race Week Prep: Chuncheon Marathon Last-Week Checklist
💡 Key Summary
✅ In race week, cut volume to about half of normal and keep just a little intensity
✅ The Chuncheon Marathon starts at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct 25, 2026, and entry is closed
✅ Nothing new on race day, and check your start group, bib and kit plan now
"Run less before a big race" is advice you've probably heard. But a week out, nerves kick in and you want one more run. This is for runners finishing their marathon race week prep for a fall race like the Chuncheon Marathon, with training, food and a kit check laid out by date.
1. Marathon race week prep: how much should you cut?
Cutting training before a race is called tapering. A meta-analysis of 27 studies (Bosquet et al., 2007) found that a two-week taper with volume cut by 41–60% worked best for performance. Training intensity and frequency were best left unchanged.
The coaching site RunnersConnect's taper guide points the same way. It puts race-week volume at about 40–50% of your biggest week and trims every run by that ratio. The study looked at competitive athletes, so treat it as a reference for everyday runners.
| Item | What the sources say | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 2 weeks | Start this week |
| Volume | Cut by 41–60% | 40–50% in race week |
| Intensity | Don't drop much | Keep it short |
Running less isn't lazy. You're saving up energy for race day!
2. Chuncheon Marathon 2026: what we could confirm
The table below comes from the official website and notice board. The as-of date is October 12, 2026, so please re-check the official site before you travel or apply.
| Item | What we confirmed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Sun, Oct 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m. start | Official site |
| Place | Chuncheon Gongjicheon Bridge; assembly at Gongjicheon artificial turf field | Official site |
| Events | Full (42.195 km) and 10 km | Official site |
| Entry | Entry closed | Official site |
With entry closed, what matters most is info for people already registered. A notice dated October 2 says start groups and bib numbers can be looked up on the official site's participant check page. The full marathon uses groups P, A, B, C, D and E/F, the 10 km uses A to D, and each group has its own start time.
We couldn't confirm bib pickup times and place, bag drop, or race-day traffic control, so those are all check the official site (공식 홈페이지 확인 필요). As of the July notice, the 2,500 race-day bus seats had sold out. Start from the official Chuncheon Marathon site for the latest notices. Visitors from abroad should also check the official site for how entries and pickup work, since we couldn't confirm that either.
📌 Note
This year is the race's 80th anniversary, and a notice describes it as an open race where elites and top masters runners start together. Most runners just need to be on time for their own group's start.
If you'd like to compare other races around the same time, we checked these official sites. Entry status can change daily, so please check it yourself.
| Race | Date and place | Events | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsis Sea Marathon | Sat, Oct 24, 9:00 a.m., Yeongjongdo Seaside Park | Half, 10 km, 5 km | 공식 홈페이지 확인 필요 |
| MBN Seoul Marathon | Sun, Nov 15, 7:30 a.m., Gwanghwamun and Jamsil | Half, 10 km | 공식 홈페이지 확인 필요 |
3. Your race week, day by day
This plan adapts a RunnersConnect marathon-week example to our dates. Peak mileage differs for everyone, so it's not the only right answer. Use it for the direction of the cuts, and 10 km runners can trim distance even more.
| Date | What to do | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 10/19 | Easy 5–8 km (3–5 mi), or rest | Stay conversational |
| Tue 10/20 | 6–8 × 2 min at marathon pace | Last check |
| Wed 10/21 | Rest, or 30 very easy minutes | Rest the legs |
| Thu 10/22 | Easy 5–6 km (3–4 mi) | Add carbs gradually |
| Fri 10/23 | 3–5 km plus short strides | 20–30 s, full recovery |
| Sat 10/24 | 2–5 km or a 10-minute jog | Early night |
Distances are mile figures converted from the RunnersConnect example, so they're approximate. The guide also suggests treating any new twinge as noise for 48 hours. Race-week nerves make small aches feel bigger than they are.
Eat normally, then add a little extra carbohydrate from Thursday or Friday. For amounts and menus see How to Carb-Load for a Marathon, and for fueling during the race see When to Take Energy Gels.
Write your kit list on Wednesday. The night before gets so much easier!
4. Packing the night before and the morning check
The biggest rule is don't use anything on race day that you haven't used in training. New shoes, new food, new supplements and new caffeine habits can all wait until after the race.
- Shoes and socks you've worn, and clothes you know
- Bib, safety pins, and a screenshot of your entry confirmation
- Gels and snacks you've tried in training
- A windproof layer and a disposable poncho (bag drop details: 공식 홈페이지 확인 필요)
- Notes on transport, start time and assembly spot
Pick your outfit from the forecast two or three days out. Our running clothes by temperature guide can help.
⚠️ Caution
If you feel chest pain, severe dizziness, a cold sweat or sudden shortness of breath during the race, stop right away and tell race staff or medical personnel. If you have heart disease or another condition, talk to your doctor before the race.
Once your goal is set, write a daily "race week mission" in the Wittiz app, one small thing each day. Trading cheers with a friend who's running the same race makes the nerves lighter than going it alone. Rest days still count toward your goal, and the jelly you earn keeps dressing up Moongti.
First race or tenth, the jitters are the same. Breathe slowly, and let's go together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I do a long run one week before the race?
Usually not. The research favored cutting volume sharply over about two weeks. If nerves get to you, swap in a short, easy run.
Entry for the Chuncheon Marathon is closed. Can I still sign up?
The official application page showed a notice that entry was closed. Extra entries might open, so the official notice board is the most reliable place to check. If you're already registered, just look up your start group and bib number.
My legs feel heavy and flat in race week. Is that normal?
Right after cutting volume, your body can feel sluggish. If a new pain shows up, rest and watch it, and talk to a professional if it lingers.
Wrapping Up
Race week is about cutting back, checking, and not trying anything new. Cut your distance to 40–50%, and confirm your start group and kit plan early.
This week, do only the short Tuesday pace check and keep the rest easy. Moongti will be buzzing with excitement right next to the start line!
Try it for yourself in the Wittiz app!
References
- Bosquet L et al. (2007). Effects of tapering on performance: a meta-analysis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
- RunnersConnect. How to Taper for a Marathon
- Chuncheon Marathon official website (checked October 12, 2026)
- Chuncheon Marathon notice board (Chosun Ilbo, checked October 12, 2026)
This article was written by the Wittiz team and includes app-related content. Race details are as of October 12, 2026 and may change. If you have a medical condition or feel unwell while exercising, please be sure to consult a medical professional.