Seoul plans to tighten oversight of downtown marathons through a joint consultative body with police and other government agencies, responding to mounting complaints about road closures, traffic congestion, noise and litter. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it will work with city police authorities to review race schedules, routes, traffic diversions and safety management plans for 2027. Detailed arrangements will be announced in December. Organizers preparing next year’s events were asked to refrain from recruiting participants until consultations on safety plans and traffic restrictions are complete. “While we recognize the contribution marathons make to the health of many residents, the disruption caused by downtown races has recently become a growing concern for others,” said Cho Sung-ho, director general of the city’s tourism and sports bureau. “We ask event organizers to take the initiative and work with us to address the issue.” The latest such disruption occurred on Sunday, when marathons prompted extensive road closures from Gwanghwamun to Olympic Par