At age 67, SK Park is no stranger to endurance. A dedicated marathon runner and long-term employee at Charta Global, APP Group’s exclusive sales channel in North America, he has spent years embracing both his professional and personal challenges with an unwavering spirit. As he prepares to run his 17th marathon at the Los Angeles (LA) Marathon in March 2025, Park exemplifies resilience, sustainability, and the philosophy of steady perseverance.
A Career Rooted in Commitment
Park joined Charta Global in 2013, initially handling sales for coated paper from China mills before transitioning to coated, label and other lightweight grades of paper sales from Indonesian mills. Over the years, he has found deep fulfilment in maintaining sincere relationships with customers and witnessing the company’s growing commitment to sustainability. “Just like marathon training, staying dedicated and sincere in my efforts leads to meaningful results,” he shares.
His belief in persistence aligns with APP’s ongoing environmental efforts. APP, Charta Global, Foopak, and Visstun, Charta Global’s converting partner, have partnered to sponsor 800,000 cups plastic-free Foopak Bio Natura cups in an effort to lessen plastic pollution for the 2025 LA Marathon. Through this sponsorship, the four companies aim to provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable plastic cups. Park, as a Charta Global employee who will be running in the same marathon, sees it as an honour to represent a company that actively supports environmental responsibility.
The Path to 17 Marathons
Park’s marathon journey began in 2001 with the LA Marathon, which remains his most challenging race to date. Motivated by a desire to manage his high blood pressure at that time, he adopted running as a lifestyle, completing an average of one marathon per year since 2009. His best time, 4 hours and 1 minute, was achieved at the Ventura Marathon in 2012, but for Park, finishing a race matters more than setting records. Now, Park is able to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and a brighter outlook on life.
“Marathon running is a part of my life that gives me a sense of accomplishment,” he explains. “Whether I run well or not, crossing the finish line always brings fulfilment.”
Training has taught Park invaluable lessons about patience, humility, and self-awareness. “I’ve learned to run without overdoing it by listening to my body,” he says. “In life and in work, there’s no shortcut—only steady effort.”
Lessons from the Road to the Workplace
Park draws parallels between marathon running and his career at Charta Global. “No matter how difficult it is, the finish line is always waiting for us, as long as we keep going,” he reflects. “Discipline in training translates to discipline in work. If you put in the effort, results will follow.”
Looking ahead to the 40th anniversary of the LA Marathon, Park is most excited about running alongside his colleagues, as other staff members from Charta Global, as well as APP, will be participating too. His goal for the race? To have fun and run at a pace that suits his body.
A Message for Aspiring Runners
For those considering taking up marathon running, especially later in life, Park offers sage advice: “Everyone’s physical conditions are different, so don’t compare yourself to others. Run at a pace that doesn’t strain your body, and always incorporate strength training.”
Success in a marathon isn’t about winning—it’s about finishing. “Not everyone can be a champion, but anyone can be a winner the moment they cross the finish line.”
As SK Park prepares for yet another race, he continues to inspire with his quiet determination and belief in the power of persistence—both on the track and in life.