Jangsu Trail Race 38K Finisher's Report – The Day I Ran Through the Rain to the End
A finisher's report from the April 2026 Jangsu Trail Race 38K-P. Covers the rain-shortened course, cutoff strategy, and aid station food — all from real race experience. A must-read if you're preparing for Jangsu Trail.
Jangsu Trail Race 38K Finisher's Report – The Day I Ran Through the Rain to the End
I had originally signed up for the 70K. I'd been training for months and felt reasonably confident going in. Then the rain started the night before the race, and before long, an announcement came through: the course was being shortened. 70K down to 38K-P. Honestly, my first reaction was disappointment. But after crossing that finish line, every muscle in my body made it clear — this 38K was no walk in the park.
This is my finisher's report from the Jangsu Trail Race 38K-P, held on April 4, 2026. From course details and aid station highlights to cutoff strategy, I hope this helps anyone preparing for this race in the future.
Race Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Name | Jangsu Trail Race |
| Date | April 4, 2026 |
| Original Distance | 70K |
| Actual Distance | 38K-P (shortened due to rain) |
| Start Delay | Approx. 2 hours (safety measure due to weather) |
| Course Highlights | Jangsu Start → Waryongsan Recreation Forest → Jagogae → Subun Village → Sadubong → Jangsu Stadium |
| Organizer | Jangsu County / Trail Running Organizing Committee |
Before the Start – Rain from the Night Before
The weather forecast was already looking ominous the evening before the race. I fell asleep in my accommodation listening to the rain against the window, telling myself it would be fine by morning — but things had only gotten worse by the time I woke up. The organizers officially announced the course would be shortened from 70K to 38K-P, with the start pushed back two hours.
Those two hours felt longer than expected. I couldn't decide whether to keep loosening up or conserve my energy. I settled on light stretching and ended up chatting with other runners. Everyone seemed to be feeling the same mix of emotions — half disappointed, half relieved.
Course Breakdown and Difficulty by Segment
The 38K-P course can be broken down into four main sections.
1. Start to Waryongsan Recreation Forest (CP1)
The trail climbs into the mountains almost immediately after the start. The overnight rain had left the paths quite slippery — muddy sections felt like a slip was just one wrong step away, and I did see a few runners go down around me.
The key thing to know about this section is that the CP1 cutoff at Waryongsan Recreation Forest is tighter than you might expect. With the two-hour delayed start factored in, I was even more conscious of the clock. There was no time to stop and take in the scenery — I kept a steady eye on my pace throughout.
2. Jagogae Water Point
By the time I reached the Jagogae water point, my legs were already feeling noticeably heavy. That's when I was handed a cup of tomato juice — and honestly, it was far better than I expected. I never thought tomato juice could taste so good out on a mountain. I also sprayed some muscle relief spray on my legs. Small things, but both made a real difference in getting through the back half of the course.
3. Subun Village Aid Station
The Subun Village aid station was the most memorable stop of the entire race. Volunteers were handing out rice balls and kimchi, and they were absolutely delicious. There's something about eating a rice ball mid-race on a mountain that just hits differently. The salty kimchi alongside it felt like it washed away all the fatigue in an instant.
I took a moment to catch my breath and mentally map out what was left. Just get over Sadubong. That single thought was enough to get me moving again.
4. Sadubong to Jangsu Stadium (Finish)
To be honest, the climb up Sadubong was the hardest part of the entire course. The gradient was steep, and the ascent went on much longer than I anticipated. Every time I thought I must be near the top, there was more uphill ahead. My legs were close to their limit, and I was breathing hard.
Then, somewhere in the distance, I started to hear the cowbells at Jangsu Stadium. The sound was clearly there, but the finish line didn't seem to be getting any closer. That particular kind of sweet torture — any trail runner will know exactly what I mean.
But I got there. As the cowbells grew louder and the stadium finally came into view, something hard to put into words took over. I was exhausted and aching — but my legs started moving faster on their own.
Practical Tips for the Jangsu Trail Race 38K
After finishing, I put together a list of things I wish I'd known going in.
| Area | Tip |
|---|---|
| Cutoff Strategy | The CP1 cutoff at Waryongsan is tight — maintain a consistent pace from the start |
| Weather Prep | Rain is likely even in spring; a waterproof jacket is essential |
| Traction | High-grip trail shoes recommended; watch out for wet leaves on the path |
| Aid Station Strategy | Make full use of the Jagogae water point and Subun Village aid station |
| Muscle Care | Bring muscle relief spray, kinesiology tape, or similar recovery supplies |
| Sadubong Mindset | The late-race climb up Sadubong is the toughest section — pace your energy accordingly |
Aid Station Food Summary
The aid station operations at Jangsu Trail Race were genuinely impressive — the food quality in particular exceeded expectations.
| Aid Station | Food / Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Waryongsan Recreation Forest | Energy gels, water, drinks, snacks |
| Jagogae Water Point | Tomato juice, water, muscle relief spray |
| Subun Village Aid Station | Rice balls, kimchi, and other warm food |
| Jangsu Stadium (Finish) | Food and drinks provided post-race |
Rain-Shortened Course: What I Gained Instead of Lost
When you train for a 70K and end up running a 38K-P, the initial feeling is inevitably one of disappointment. But once the race was over, my perspective shifted. The 38K was far from short, and completing it in difficult, rain-soaked conditions felt meaningful in its own right.
More than anything, I think the organizers made the right call prioritizing safety. After heavy rain throughout the previous day, the mountain conditions were genuinely poor — running the full 70K course would have carried a significantly higher risk of injury. Even if it stings at first, finishing safely is always what matters most.
Final Thoughts
Jangsu Trail Race offers beautiful natural scenery along the course and is well-organized overall. If you're looking for a spring trail running race, it's well worth considering. That said, weather can be a major variable, and it's worth going in well-prepared — especially for the CP1 cutoff at Waryongsan Recreation Forest and the grueling Sadubong climb in the back half.
Next time, I want to come back and finish the full 70K. And that goal is exactly what keeps me training today.
FAQ – Common Questions About Jangsu Trail Race
Q. How difficult is the Jangsu Trail Race 38K course? A. It's generally upper-intermediate in difficulty. The late-race climb up Sadubong is particularly demanding on your energy reserves, and the trails become extremely slippery in wet spring conditions. It's best suited for runners with some trail running experience under their belt.
Q. Is managing the cutoff times important? A. Yes — especially the CP1 cutoff at Waryongsan Recreation Forest, which is set quite tightly. If you start too conservatively, you risk missing it. Maintaining a steady, consistent pace from the gun is key.
Q. What food is available at the aid stations? A. Waryongsan Recreation Forest offers energy gels, snacks, and drinks; Jagogae water point provides tomato juice and water; and Subun Village aid station serves up rice balls, kimchi, and other hearty food. The aid station food quality is notably high, so make sure to take full advantage of it.