North Korea Revives International Marathon After Six-Year Hiatus

North Korea has recently hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, inviting around 200 foreign runners to its capital city. The marathon, which began in 1981, is traditionally held in April to honor the birth of the nation's founding leader, Kim Il Sung. The last race occurred in 2019, drawing nearly 950 international competitors, before the country closed its borders in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.Since then, North Korea has cautiously reopened its doors, allowing only Russian tourists back into Pyongyang since last year. To participate in the marathon, foreign runners had to join through organized tour groups, reinstating a pre-pandemic requirement. Koryo Tours, a travel agency based in Beijing, marketed exclusive six-day tour packages priced at €2,195 (approximately $2,406), which included flights from Beijing.The marathon route featured significant landmarks, taking participants past the Kim Il Sung stadium, the Arch of Triumph commemorating Kim Il Sung’s legacy against Japanese occupation, and the Mirae Future Scientists’ Street, designed for the nation's scientists. Social media images portrayed an enthusiastic audience at the stadium, with spectators cheering and brandishing gold flags.Pak Kum Dong, a local runner, expressed her motivation, stating, "The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired." There has been no public disclosure of the race results as of yet. North Korea began easing its Covid-19 restrictions in mid-2023, having briefly allowed some Western tourists into the country before halting those tours shortly thereafter.