*This content was translated by AI.
Veteran Lee Chung-yong (38) of Incheon United in K League 1 received applause from Incheon fans with his age-defying fight.
On the 15th, Lee Chung-yong was named sixth on the Best Runner list released by the Korea Professional Football Federation, which tallied the players who ran the most distance in the 17th round of Hana Bank K League 1 2026.
Three days earlier, he started and played the full match as a forward against FC Anyang at Incheon Football Stadium, covering an impressive 10.876km. The federation selects and announces the top six runners after each round; this marks Lee's first time making the list.
Considering that he is a veteran born in 1988, his performance truly embodies 'fighting spirit.' It is especially meaningful that despite his considerable age, he not only started and played the full match but also recorded activity levels ranking sixth overall in the league.
In fact, the other five players who joined Lee Chung-yong in the top six of the 17th round are all born between 1997 and 2003, making them all in their 20s. This is why Lee's sixth-place Best Runner record is even more impressive.
Lee Chung-yong, who transferred from Ulsan HD to Incheon ahead of the season opener, was primarily used as a substitute until mid-April. After starting his first match against Bucheon FC in the 8th round, his share of starts has increased significantly recently.
In the home game against Gwangju FC in the 15th round, he delivered an outstanding performance with one goal and one assist, continuing his record of appearing in every match this season (17 games).
The number one Best Runner in the K League 1 17th round was Kim Sang-jun of Bucheon FC, who ran a remarkable 11.686km. Seo Jae-min (Incheon) followed with 11.351km, and Idei of Gwangju FC recorded 11.052km to take second and third place. Seo has achieved a top-six record in every round this season. Mateus (FC Anyang) ran 10.93km, and Nishida Kento (Pohang Steelers) followed with 10.88km.
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*This content was translated by AI.
