[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)is hosting a virtual running event for runners who missed out on a spot in the main “Kakao Friends Run 2026” race. A key feature of the event is the use of “Run Together,” a new feature on KakaoMap, which allows participants to track each other’s locations while running with friends.

Kakao announced on the 4th that it will run the “Kakao Friends Run Virtual Run” campaign throughout September, ahead of the Kakao Friends Run 2026 scheduled for October 10 at the Tancheon Sports Complex in Seongnam. As the campaign’s first event, the main “Run Together” event will run through the 10th.

“Run Together” is a virtual running event that utilizes the newly added “Run Together” feature in KakaoMap’s “Friends’ Locations.” Participants can either follow running courses personally recommended by five “Runfluencers” or run a self-selected course of at least 3 km and then post a photo as proof on their personal Instagram accounts.

The “Runfluencer” courses consist of popular urban routes carefully selected by running experts. The event was designed to let participants enjoy the fun of running while running with friends.

This event was organized for users who were not selected during the earlier pre-registration period for the main event. A drawing will be held among participants to award 100 tickets to Kakao Friends Run 2026. A total of 50 winners will each receive two tickets, and winners will be notified individually via direct message on their personal Instagram accounts on the 11th.

Further details can be found in the event announcement on KakaoMap or on Ryan’s official Instagram account.

Starting with “Run Together,” Kakao will continue its series of virtual run events throughout the month of September. On the 14th, it will launch the “Together Value Virtual Run,” where participants can donate while running, followed by the “Friends Character Run Event” on the 21st, where runners can draw Kakao Friends characters using their running routes.

A Kakao representative stated, “We planned this event to go beyond a simple virtual run where participants just verify their times; we wanted to share the joy of running while connecting with friends through the ‘Run Together’ feature on KakaoMap.” They added, “We hope participants will enjoy the atmosphere of the Kakao Friends Run in advance by running the courses recommended by Runfluencers and even get lucky enough to win a spot in the event.”