The Seoul Metropolitan Government unveiled a new set of guidelines tightening regulations on marathons organized or sponsored by the city, aiming to reduce traffic disruptions, noise and public inconvenience as a running trend shows no sign of slowing. Under the new rules, races requiring traffic control must now begin before 7:30 a.m. and finish around 10 a.m., moving up start times from the previous 8 or 9 a.m. launches, according to the city government. The earlier ending is intended to ease commuter complaints caused by prolonged road closures. The city also banned alcohol companies from sponsoring events, citing a mismatch between the spirit of athletics and alcoholic branding. Until last year, beverage makers such as OB Beer and HiteJinro sponsored marathons and distributed nonalcoholic beer to runners. To maintain public order and safety, the guidelines set capacity limits for major public venues: 15,000 participants at Gwanghwamun Square; 12,000 at Seoul Plaza; 9,000 at Yeouido Park; and 7,000 at World Cup Park. Organizers who fail to clean up litter on roads after races will fa