North Korea Revives International Marathon After Six-Year Hiatus

North Korea has successfully hosted its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, attracting approximately 200 foreign participants and reviving the tradition that began in 1981 to honor its founding leader Kim Il Sung.

North Korea, known for its isolation, organized the marathon after sealing itself off during the pandemic in 2020. This event saw runners make their way through the capital, with the course featuring notable sights such as the Kim Il Sung Stadium and the Arch of Triumph. The country's reopening has been gradual, allowing select international tourists to join guided tours, including marathon routes provided by travel agencies like Koryo Tours.

Participants had to enter North Korea via organized tour groups, with Koryo Tours offering packages to facilitate the experience, including flights from Beijing. Despite the unique opportunity to engage with locals, details about race results remain scarce. One local runner expressed the emotional support he received from spectators, underscoring the significance of the event in fostering connections within the community.

North Korea is slowly easing its pandemic restrictions, with cautious steps towards reopening the tourism sector after years of isolation.