DIS runners traveled to Busan for the Cross Country Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Nine total schools gathered for the conclusion of the season at the International School of Busan (ISB). Elementary, middle, and high school athletes all assembled for three hours of races. 

The day began at 9 a.m. with a quick coaches’ meeting and opening ceremony. Then the races kicked off at 9:45 a.m. with the elementary teams. The first course covered approximately 2.75 kilometers and took an estimated 40 minutes to pace through. Middle and high schoolers awaited the start of their one-hour, 5.5-kilometer run. Supervised by volunteer student marshals, the track covered an uneven, muddy terrain, and included a stepping stone bridge across a stream.

The unkempt nature of the course led to injuries. A DIS student sprained his knee. “The school was good but the trail was kind of bad. There was a lot of mud and a lot of people fell and got hurt. The trail was really bumpy and it wasn’t a great experience.” fifth-grade racer Ian Lee said.

Despite the setbacks, the Jets concluded the season with success. Akari Kojima in fifth grade won second place, and the girls team took home the championship trophy. Yul Sakong in seventh grade came in second for the middle school heat. “I was originally around fourth to fifth place. But around half of the race, some people started slowing down so I passed them and they gave up. I really didn’t expect any medals but it was fancy because they had a stage and a podium.” said Sakong. 

Determined runners peppered the high school route with close overtakes at an electric pace. Freshmen Jayden Hayward and Aiden Huh earned a silver and bronze medal respectively, and the DIS boys claimed the championship.

Regardless of the results, the meet served as a great experience for all pacers. “Although the trail was a bit rough, it was still fun. It was quite hard to stay motivated during the race because the gap between the first, second, and third was really large. It was really hard to keep pushing in order to try to beat the first place even though I wasn’t able to. That was quite a challenge.” Hayward said.

Not only did the cross country season enhance runners’ skills, but it strengthened the bond between SKAC schools. Athletes socialized with one another and enjoyed the day. Some elementary students started a multi-school dance party on stage. “My classmate danced in front of everyone. ISB and other school kids joined so I also joined as well. It was pretty fun.” fifth grader Jay Jang said.

The competition provided unforgettable memories and a boost of school spirit. The arduous hardships of cross country motivated the runners who eagerly await next year and another meaningful season. 

Gallery • 14 Photos

Eugene Sung

Fifth-grader Akari Kojima proudly holds up the championship trophy. Photographers take pictures and onlookers applaud.