The 37km Cheering Point in a Marathon
Why this point is the toughest yet the most emotional moment.
Here’s what it means for runners — and how to prepare as a volunteer.
🏃♂️ Why 37km?
Marathon Club Volunteering Point & Essential Checklist
Among the 42.195km of a full marathon, the point where runners face their biggest wall is the 37km mark.
From here, it’s not just about muscle anymore.
Mental strength and encouragement decide everything.
For this year’s JTBC Marathon, our running club decided to cheer at exactly this spot.
I hoped to run the race myself, but since my registration didn’t go through, I joined the volunteering team instead.
🌟 Why the 37km Point Is So Special
Anyone who has run a full marathon knows:
21km is not the real halfway point.
Up to 15km, the body feels light and the run feels fun.
But once you pass that, the “real marathon” begins, and runners aim for the mental halfway point:
the famous 32km mark.
When you hit 32km, even strong legs and steady minds start to shake.
From here on, every kilometer feels longer.
You lift your head multiple times only to realize the next distance sign hasn’t changed.
Your strength is already drained.
Your mind wants to stop before your body does.
“Just 5 more kilometers.
Make it to 37km.
Someone I know will be waiting for me.”
The 37km point is where you almost lose your final bit of endurance —
but it’s also where a new hope starts:
“Only 5km left.”
And at that exact place, someone is waiting.
Cheering for you.
Worried about you.
Ready to run the last stretch with you if needed.
🎒 Volunteer Checklist: What to Prepare
The temperature on race day was around 8–10°C, quite cold early in the morning.
Here’s what we prepared at the cheering point:
- Cheering signs & banners – Large, clear messages runners can see from afar.
- Rain ponchos – Not only for rain but also for wind protection. Disposable ones from Daiso work perfectly.
- Coke, water, and paper cups – Pour into cups so runners can grab and go.
- Warm jacket / beanie / gloves – Essential for early-morning waiting.
- Trash bags – To keep the area clean.
- Running-ready outfit – Just in case someone asks for a last 5km pacer.
🏁 37km — Running the Last 5km Together
Even strong runners show exhaustion at the 37km mark.
Some are barely holding on, some are fighting back tears, and some simply need one person beside them.
“Can you run the last 5km with me?
Please keep a 5:00 pace.”
Runners ask for a pacer when their energy is nearly gone.
For them, 37km support gives meaning to the brutal 32–37km stretch —
and gives comfort knowing someone can pull them through the final 5km.
That’s the magic of cheering at 37km.
It’s where struggle turns into emotion, and where support becomes strength.
