After a six-year hiatus due to the pandemic, North Korea successfully revisited its historical tradition by hosting the Pyongyang International Marathon, featuring around 200 foreign participants who traversed iconic city landmarks.
North Korea Revives Pyongyang Marathon, First in Six Years
North Korea Revives Pyongyang Marathon, First in Six Years
The Pyongyang International Marathon welcomes international runners, marking the re-opening phase for North Korea post-Covid-19 lockdown.
North Korea has hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, attracting approximately 200 foreign runners to partake in this unique event in the capital. Launched in 1981, this race typically takes place annually in April to commemorate the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founding leader. The last marathon occurred in 2019, which saw about 950 international participants before North Korea closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a slow return to normalcy, North Korea has primarily allowed Russian tourists to enter the country over the past year. Participants for the marathon had to come in as part of organized tours, similar to pre-pandemic requirements. Koryo Tours, a travel agency based in Beijing, advertised exclusive six-day marathon packages, priced at 2,195 euros ($2,406), including flights from Beijing. The agency describes the event as an "extremely unique experience," allowing for interaction with the North Korean locals.
The marathon route took runners past various significant sites, such as the Kim Il Sung Stadium and the Arch of Triumph, the latter celebrating Kim Il Sung's efforts against Japanese colonialism, along with the development-focused Mirae Future Scientists' Street. Social media posts depicted a stadium brimming with spectators, many of whom enthusiastically cheered and waved gold-colored flags.
North Korean runner Pak Kum Dong expressed patriotism by stating, “The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired.” Nevertheless, there are no public records available regarding race outcomes.
The reopening of North Korea began in earnest in mid-2023, with some restrictions being eased. Just months earlier, in February, the country had permitted a limited number of Western tourists into the eastern city of Rason, though subsequent tours were quickly halted.
