Can you run from Seoul to Busan? This person did, twice

Isaiah "Zay" Addison, an English teacher turned long-distance runner, model and content creator, has achieved what many consider impossible: completing two runs from Seoul to Busan on foot. The first run took place in 2024, and the second, which ended on August 17, covered nearly 700 kilometers over 10 days, equating to more than 16 full marathons. Addison, who goes by the name Zay, began his second run from Seoul on August 8. Equipped with a high-endurance sports watch featuring GPS tracking, the data revealed that he ran 683.5 kilometers between August 8 and 17, spanning 82 hours, 17 minutes and 33 seconds. During this period, he ascended 5,165 meters, averaging roughly eight hours of recorded activity per day. The journey concluded in Busan, marking the culmination of a meticulously planned endeavor. This was not Zay’s first attempt at the feat. Two years prior, he had completed a slightly shorter run from Seoul to Busan, covering nearly 500 kilometers. This time, however, he aimed to test his limits further. “The first time I did it was kind of my own little personal challenge,” Zay explained after returning to Seoul. “This year I kind of woke up one day and I was like, ‘I really want to challenge myself again and … see how much I’ve grown and what I can do.’” Running such distances demands more than physical stamina, it requires strategic planning. Each day of the run involved careful consideration of distance, rest points, nutrition and hydration. On some of the longest days, Zay would rise at 3 to 3:30 a.m., setting off by 4 to 4:30 a.m. His team, consisting of Kim Woo-jin and Emile Justin Appollis, would join him later on e-bikes, providing logistical support and capturing footage of his progress. The team would meet Zay at an early checkpoint, typically around 15 to 20 kilometers into the run, where they replenished his supplies. Depending on the day’s distance, additional checkpoints were arranged before a longer midday break at approximately 30 to 50 kilometers. The goal was usually to complete each segment by 6 p.m., though some days extended past 7 or 7:30 p.m. After resting, eating and preparing for the next day, Zay aimed to be in bed by 10 p.m., ready to start the cycle anew. Nutrition played a crucial role in this run. Unlike his previous attempt, Zay implemented a structured fueling strategy, incorporating energy gels, electrolytes, salt tablets and regular meals. This approach ensured consistent energy levels throughout the grueling journey. Support from a larger team was instrumental in this run. While his first Seoul-to-Busan run in 2024 was accompanied only by his friend and videographer Emile Justin Appollis, this time involved a more extensive group. Appollis and another videographer, Kim Woo-jin, formed the core crew, riding e-bikes to keep pace with Zay. Additional members, including video editor Daniel Duquette, graphic designer Yoo Sae-rom and producer Kim Rok, contributed to the project through remote support and logistics. Despite meticulous planning, challenges arose. For instance, on Day 3, the team halted 7 to 8 kilometers short of their intended endpoint near Gimje, North Jeolla Province, due to a flat tire on an e-bike used by a crew member. Resolving the issue delayed their progress, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such endeavors. Throughout the run, Zay relied on his Suunto watch to track his progress, recording detailed GPS data that confirmed his achievement. The journey from Seoul to Busan, both times, stands as a testament to his dedication, resilience and ability to adapt under demanding conditions.