North Korea hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday, the 6th of April, for the first time in six years after the Covid-19 pandemic, welcoming around 200 foreign runners who took to the streets of the country’s exclusive capital, reports the British broadcaster BBC.
Athletes from China, Ethiopia and other countries took part in the event, state television reported, with a North Korean runner crossing the finish line first.
The marathon, which was first organised in 1981, is held annually in April to mark the birthday of the country’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung. Before Sunday’s marathon, the race was last held in 2019, with 950 foreigners taking part. The following year, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, North Korea closed its borders, and the marathon did not take place.
Since then, North Korea has been slow to restart tourism and last year only allowed Russian tourists into its capital.
As before the pandemic, runners had to come as part of an organised tour group.
Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency listed on the event’s website as the “exclusive partner”, offered a six-day marathon tour for 2 195 euros, including flights to and from Beijing.
“The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides the opportunity to interact with the local people,” the agency said on its website.
Sunday’s marathon route took in the city’s highlights, including Kim Il Sung Stadium, the Arch of Triumph, and the scientists and engineers’ district. 50 000 spectators greeted the runners at the stadium.
No public information is available on the results of the race.
North Korea only started to ease restrictions on Covid-19 in mid-2023. In February, it allowed some Western tourists into the remote eastern city of Rason but stopped these tours just a few weeks later.
North Korea hosts international marathon after a six-year break
