[DigitalToday reporter Jin-ho Lee] LG Uplus said on Oct. 18 that the U+119 Memorial Run 2026, a running event held with the National Fire Agency to honour firefighters who died in the line of duty, ended successfully.

The event, held on Oct. 17 around Sejong Central Park and the National Sejong Arboretum, was set up to honour firefighters who died while dedicating themselves to protecting the lives and safety of the public and to support bereaved families.

A total of 2,000 people took part in the event, now in its second year. Of them, 1,400 ran an 11.9 km course symbolising firefighting and 600 ran a 5 km course. Participants wore bibs listing their own names along with the names and dates of death of fallen firefighters. There were no rankings or awards, with the focus placed on remembrance and safe completion.

About 500 participants from the first event last year joined again this year. More than 1,000 serving firefighters applied to take part, and 119 joined the event. LG Uplus CEO Beom-sik Hong (홍범식) and employees also ran with participants to honour the sacrifice of fallen firefighters.

After the run, the National Fire Agency held an official memorial ceremony. Safety experience booths and performances were also set up at the site. The 50,000 won entry fee paid by participants will be used in full to support families of fallen firefighters. Last year's entry fees were also delivered to a bereaved families group, Fire Family Hope Sharing, and used for memorial activities and family support.

LG Uplus plans to link the event with its "Simply. U+" campaign and expand it into a public participation-type social contribution activity. It will also continue activities supporting firefighters and their families in cooperation with the National Fire Agency.

Beom-sik Hong said remembering the noble sacrifice of firefighters who dedicated themselves to protecting the public's lives and safety, and expressing gratitude, was a responsibility shared by all in society. He said the company would continue efforts to help spread a culture that respects and honours firefighters and their families.