North Korea Resumes International Marathon After Six-Year Hiatus

North Korea has reintroduced the Pyongyang International Marathon, held for the first time in six years, attracting around 200 international participants. The race, which celebrates the late founding leader Kim Il Sung's birthday, remains part of strictly organized tours, reflecting the country's cautious reopening following pandemic isolation.

North Korea has recently hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, marking a significant occasion as approximately 200 foreign runners participated in the event held in the capital. The marathon, originally launched in 1981, has historically taken place every April to commemorate the birth of the nation’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung.

The last marathon occurred in 2019, prior to the country closing its borders due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. With limited international access since then, North Korea had allowed only select tourists from Russia to enter its capital over the past year.

Participants in this year's race had to enter North Korea through organized tour groups. Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency that has an exclusive partnership with the event, offers marathon packages priced at 2,195 euros (approximately $2,406), which includes flights from Beijing. The agency describes the marathon as a rare chance to engage with local citizens.

The race path showcased various city landmarks, including the Kim Il Sung stadium and the Arch of Triumph, celebrating Kim Il Sung’s efforts against Japanese colonial rule. Online images depicted the stadium filled with enthusiastic spectators, waving gold-colored flags in support of the runners. North Korean participant Pak Kum Dong expressed gratitude for the local support, saying it motivated him throughout the race.

Although the event has generated excitement, no official race results have been made public. In recent months, North Korea has only begun to ease its Covid-19 restrictions, with the middle of 2023 seeing a limited introduction of some Western tourists to the country. This cautious progression highlights the intricate balance North Korea is striving to maintain between isolation and engagement with the outside world.