“Run BTS” became a reality when one of the K-pop boy band members joined thousands of runners during San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers over the weekend.
BTS rapper Min Yoongi, whose stage name is Suga, got a 12K run in before taking the stage on Sunday, May 17, for the group’s second concert of its three-day sold-out stint at Stanford Stadium.
He finished the race in 01:04:43, averaging 8:41 per mile, according to post-race stat keeper Laurel Intelligence. He ranked 1,022nd place out of 20,530 overall, or the top 5%.
In its post-race remarks, Laurel Intelligence reported, “He maintained a consistent pace until Hayes Hill. Interestingly, after Hayes Hill, each subsequent mile split improved. The pace progressively returned to the lower 8:20 min/mile range.”
Photos and video of the K-pop superstar hitting the pavement at the colorful and irreverent 12K race went viral overnight.
Dressed in a black running top and gray shorts, Suga had a mini-camera perched on his hat, sparking speculation among fans that the experience may be turned into content for the group’s vlog.
During a post-concert Weverse stream on Tuesday, May 19, fellow BTS members RM, V, Jimin and J-Hope sipped sodas and nibbled on snacks, commenting on Suga’s fitness and persistence in pursuing whatever interests him.
“You know how he is. Once he gets into something, he just goes all out,” BTS singer and dancer Jimin said.
“It’s been over a week that we’re staying in Stanford, and what an amazing city here,” Suga told the crowd, with aid from a translator, toward the end of the group’s final Stanford Stadium show on Tuesday.
“Google is kinda creepy because while we were staying here, YouTube is now giving me house ads for the city — and the houses look kinda expensive here,” he noted. “But with good weather and good people here, I think we had a great concert, so I’m very, very happy. Especially today, I really can’t forget today. Thank you everyone and see you next time.”
BTS head to Las Vegas for four dates this Memorial Day weekend, Saturday-Sunday, May 23-24 and Wednesday-Thursday, May 27-28, as part of its ongoing “Arirang” World Tour.
Todd Inoue is a freelance writer.