(Photo courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] SHINee's MINHO completed his first full marathon in just over three hours, but footage showing him apparently receiving physical assistance from a pacemaker during the race has sparked controversy. While MINHO's challenge attracted attention given his longstanding passion for running, debate continues over whether the assistance constituted a violation of race regulations.

 

(Photo courtesy of MINHO's Instagram)

MINHO participated in the ‘2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon’ on November 1. Jointly organized by JTBC, the Korea Association of Athletics Federations, and Runable, the event featured two race categories: a full marathon covering 42.195 kilometers and a 10-kilometer race. The full marathon route began at Gwanghwamun Square and ended at Olympic Park, with approximately 32,000 participants recruited for the event.

 

Despite rainy conditions, MINHO completed the 42.195-kilometer course in 3 hours and 18 seconds. Following the race, he shared his thoughts on social media, writing, "Successfully completed my first full marathon."

 

"Failed to break three hours... 18 seconds... Still, such a valuable experience. This is why life is a marathon," he added.

 

A sub-3 marathon refers to completing the full 42.195-kilometer distance in under three hours. Although MINHO narrowly missed his goal by just 18 seconds, his impressive time in his first full marathon attracted considerable attention.
 

(Photo courtesy of YouTube channel ‘With SEAN’)

MINHO's dedication to fitness was well established even before this marathon. Known for his enthusiasm for running, HYROX, and triathlons, he has also bonded with singer SEAN over their shared passion for exercise.

 

On September 29, SEAN's YouTube channel ‘With SEAN’ released a video titled ‘SHINee's MINHO, the Idol Who Sacrifices Sleep to Compete in Triathlons (Workout Routine, Lifestyle Habits, Self-Management)’. In the video, MINHO joined SEAN for a run while discussing their exercise routines and fitness habits.

 

MINHO recalled an occasion when he participated in a 10-kilometer running event in the morning before competing in a HYROX relay race that afternoon. As the two discussed how people around them often encouraged them to exercise in moderation, MINHO expressed his passion for fitness.

 

"But I'm actually holding myself back from doing even more," he said.

 

SEAN responded with amusement, saying, "Today, I found my long-lost little brother. I can't believe how much we're alike."

 

(Photo courtesy of JTBC)

However, footage shared on online communities following the marathon sparked a new controversy. The video appeared to show a pacemaker pushing MINHO from behind during the race. Some questioned whether the contact went beyond simply maintaining a running pace and provided physical propulsion.

 

A pacemaker's role is to help runners maintain a consistent speed to achieve their target finishing times. However, running alongside an athlete to regulate their pace and physically assisting their forward movement can be treated differently under competition rules.

 

World Athletics' Technical Rules specify the types of assistance prohibited during competition. Athletes may face disqualification if they receive physical support from another competitor or official that helps them move forward, although exceptions are made in certain circumstances, such as helping a fallen athlete back to their feet.

 

Opinions have also differed over whether such regulations should be strictly applied in an amateur marathon. Some argue that the nature of the event, in which ordinary participants challenge themselves to achieve personal goals, should be taken into consideration. Others maintain that because it is an official competition, the same standards should apply to all participants.

 

The event also featured a masters division open to recreational runners. As amateur races are still official competitions, participants are subject to the same regulations. However, the publicly available footage alone does not clearly establish whether MINHO received actual forward propulsion or whether the contact constituted a rule violation.

 

Online reactions have been divided. Some users argued that MINHO "should be disqualified" or that "his record should be invalidated."

 

Others defended him, questioning, "What's the problem with this?" and describing the controversy as excessive for someone participating in a marathon as a hobby.

 

(Photo courtesy of MINHO's Instagram)

MINHO has long inspired fans with his dedication to exercise and energetic lifestyle. Although he fell just 18 seconds short of his sub-3 goal in his first full marathon, completing the entire 42.195-kilometer course remains an especially meaningful achievement for him.

As attention continues to focus on the rules surrounding the pacemaker's assistance, MINHO's own reflection that the race was "still such a valuable experience" has also resonated with fans.

Looking beyond the finishing time to appreciate the significance of the challenge itself, MINHO has completed his first full marathon. Attention now turns to what new challenges he may take on next.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com