Fans had previously spotted SUGA participating in a 12km race in San Francisco during a brief gap between BTS concert dates, which quickly sparked curiosity online. Many wondered how the idol managed to fit such a physically demanding activity into an already exhausting tour schedule, and what his actual experience during the run was like. The full story was later revealed through a newly released vlog titled “Runner SUGA, gets a taste of San Francisco,” uploaded on the BANGTANTV YouTube channel, offering a complete look at what happened that day from preparation to finish.

According to the vlog, SUGA decided to challenge himself by joining the 12km run despite being in the middle of a grueling series of performances. Before the race began, he appeared focused and composed, sharing a simple but determined mindset. He reminded himself to maintain his own pace rather than be influenced by others around him, saying, “Let’s just stick to our own pace.” This approach reflected a careful balance between ambition and self-awareness, especially given the physical strain he was already under from touring activities.
As the race started, he settled into a consistent rhythm of approximately five minutes per kilometer. In the early stages, the run went relatively smoothly, with SUGA maintaining control over his breathing and speed. However, as the course progressed, the route began to present more difficult challenges, particularly in the form of steep uphill sections. These inclines quickly tested his endurance, forcing him to adjust both his pace and his mental focus.
During these uphill stretches, the difficulty of the run became significantly more apparent. Even while visibly struggling to catch his breath, he continued pushing forward step by step. The physical strain increased noticeably, and the run shifted from a controlled pace to a test of pure endurance and determination. Despite moments of fatigue where slowing down or stopping may have felt tempting, he continued to move forward without giving in to the urge to quit.

The vlog captured his internal struggle during these challenging moments, revealing a more candid and unfiltered side of the experience. At one point, he openly admitted that the uphill sections made him question his decision to participate in the race at all. He later reflected, “When I hit the uphill, I thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’” This honest remark highlighted the intensity of the challenge and the mental battle that often accompanies long-distance running, especially under physically demanding circumstances like a world tour schedule.
Even though the race tested his limits, SUGA remained committed to finishing what he started. Rather than focusing solely on speed or ranking, his priority became persistence and completion. Each step forward represented a deliberate choice to continue despite discomfort, showing a strong sense of discipline and resilience. As the course progressed beyond the toughest uphill sections, he gradually regained stability in his pace, continuing toward the finish line with steady determination.
After approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes, SUGA successfully completed the 12km race. His finishing time surprised many fans, especially considering the difficulty of the route and his already packed schedule at the time. Crossing the finish line marked not just the end of a physical challenge, but also a personal moment of achievement and relief after enduring sustained exertion.

Once the race was over, he spoke honestly about his experience. He acknowledged the difficulty of the uphill sections and the thoughts that crossed his mind during the most exhausting parts of the run. At the same time, he expressed a strong sense of satisfaction and pride in having completed the challenge. He reflected that although the experience had been physically demanding and mentally draining at times, he felt significantly better afterward, both physically and emotionally, once it was all finished.
The vlog provided fans with a deeper understanding of SUGA’s mindset and endurance beyond his performances on stage. It highlighted not only his physical capability but also his mental resilience in pushing through discomfort and fatigue. Rather than presenting the run as a glamorous achievement, the footage showed the raw reality of long-distance running under pressure, including moments of doubt, exhaustion, and perseverance.

Overall, the 12km run in San Francisco became more than just a side activity during a tour schedule. It turned into a personal test of endurance and determination, revealing how he navigates challenges when pushed beyond comfort. The experience resonated with many viewers because it reflected a relatable struggle: the moment when exhaustion makes someone question their choices, yet persistence ultimately carries them through to completion.