North Korea Revives Its Pyongyang International Marathon After Six-Year Hiatus

In an eagerly anticipated comeback, North Korea hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, attracting around 200 international runners to its capital. The marathon, an annual event since its inception in 1981, traditionally takes place every April to commemorate the birthday of Kim Il Sung, the country's founding leader.

The last marathon, held in 2019, saw participation from nearly 950 foreigners. However, after that event, North Korea implemented strict isolation measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, effectively sealing its borders until recently. Since then, the country has only gradually reopened, allowing a limited number of Russian tourists to visit since last year.

For this marathon, runners were required to enter North Korea via organized tour groups, a practice that was also in place before the pandemic disrupted travel plans worldwide. Koryo Tours, a travel agency based in Beijing, offered six-day marathon packages priced at about 2,195 euros ($2,406), which included flights from Beijing. The agency praised the marathon as an "extremely unique experience," providing participants with a rare opportunity to engage with local North Koreans.

The marathon route showcased several significant landmarks in Pyongyang, including the iconic Kim Il Sung Stadium, the Arch of Triumph—which honors the resistance against Japanese rule—and the Mirae Future Scientists' Street, a residential area designed for the nation's elite scientists and engineers. Photographs from the event depicted a lively atmosphere, with enthusiastic spectators filling the stadium, cheering for the runners while waving golden paper flags.

Pak Kum Dong, a local runner, expressed the emotional support he felt from the crowd, stating, "The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired." Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, there was no official release of race results, leaving many areas shrouded in mystery.

It's noteworthy that the North Korean government only began to ease its Covid-19 restrictions in mid-2023. In February of this year, limited tours were permitted in the remote eastern city of Rason, but these operations faced interruptions just weeks after their launch.

The revival of the Pyongyang International Marathon marks a significant moment as North Korea continues to step cautiously into a post-pandemic world, showcasing its culture and hospitality while attempting to re-establish connections with the international community. As the country emerges from isolation, many wonder what the future holds for such events and North Korea's tourism industry, piquing the interest of travelers and news outlets alike.