The Legacy of Marathon Records and Future Aspirations

Lee Bong-joo believes breaking marathon records requires extraordinary effort and passion from the next generation of athletes.

### The Unbroken Marathon Record
The senior's marathon record has remained unbroken for **24 years** due to the repetitive and monotonous nature of marathons. While watching marathons can be boring, running them has become enjoyable, especially with the excitement of the **women's marathon at this year's Olympics**. The intense competition and **dramatic last-minute changes in rankings** have made marathon running truly **unpredictable and exhilarating** for the athletes.

### The Unpredictable 35-Kilometer Race
The competition during the 35-kilometer race is intense, with athletes **gauging each other and pushing hard**. The level of ordinary runners in Korea has risen significantly, with many training **as much or more than athletes**. The running boom has led to events **filling up quickly**, and there is a strong desire for **records and a passion for sports**.

### The Decline of Marathon Running in Korea
Korea was once a powerhouse in marathon running, but the number of elite athletes has **drastically declined**, with only **one person currently running under two hours and ten minutes**. The lack of promotion and support for marathon running has contributed to this decline, despite the increasing popularity of recreational running. The author feels a **responsibility to support marathon runners** and hopes to see a **resurgence in the sport's popularity**.

### The Impact of Support on Young Athletes
Many athletes are discouraged without proper support in track and field, highlighting the **need for a revival of enthusiasm**. The speaker's unbroken Korean marathon record of **2 hours, 7 minutes, and 20 seconds** has stood for **24 years**, attributed to the level of effort from athletes. The speaker hopes their record is broken to **encourage progress in marathons** and is interested in **nurturing the next generation of athletes**.

### A Reunion with Marathon Legend Lee Bong-joo
The speaker expresses excitement about reuniting with legendary marathoner **Lee Bong-joo** and reminisces about their **marathon powerhouse days**. Lee Bong-joo appreciates the concern for their health and expresses hope for a future where they can **run together again**. The conversation ends with mutual encouragement and well wishes for a **strong recovery** and a **successful reunion**.

### The Enduring Legacy of Marathon Records and the Future of Running in Korea
* 🏅 The marathon record held by Lee Bong-joo has remained **unbroken for 24 years**, attributed to various factors including the **evolution of training and competition levels**.
* 🏃 ‍♂️ Running marathons has transformed from a monotonous experience to an exciting event, especially highlighted by the **thrilling women's marathon at the recent Olympics** where five runners competed closely for **nearly 40 kilometers**.
* 📉 Despite the decline in elite marathon runners, the passion for running among the general public in Korea has surged, with many recreational runners **training intensely**.
* 📅 The running boom has led to events **filling up within minutes**, contrasting sharply with the past when sign-ups were often **last-minute**.
* 🎖 Lee Bong-joo's record of **2 hours, 7 minutes, and 20 seconds**, set in 2000, stands as a benchmark, yet he expresses hope for it to be broken, believing it would signify **progress in the sport**.
* 👥 The atmosphere at marathons in Korea lacks the **enthusiastic support** seen in other countries, which **discourages emerging athletes** and highlights the **need for increased spectator engagement**.
* 🤝 Lee Bong-joo is optimistic about nurturing the next generation of athletes, aspiring to **revive the golden era of Korean marathon running** through **teamwork and community support**.
* 🌟 The conversation concludes with a shared hope for recovery and the joy of running together again, emphasizing the **importance of health and camaraderie** in the sport.

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