North Korea's Pyongyang Marathon Returns After Six Years

North Korea has held the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, welcoming around 200 foreign runners to the streets of its capital, Pyongyang. The marathon, a tradition since its inception in 1981, typically occurs in April to commemorate the birthday of the late leader Kim Il Sung. The event last took place in April 2019 and saw nearly 950 foreign participants before the country shut its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, North Korea has been cautious about reopening, allowing only Russian tourists until recently. Runners had to enter the country in organized tour groups, similar to the pre-pandemic process.Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency, offered a six-day marathon package for €2,195 ($2,406) that included flights. They describe the Pyongyang Marathon as a unique chance to engage with locals. This year's route showcased iconic landmarks, such as the Kim Il Sung Stadium and the Arch of Triumph. Many spectators were seen cheering on participants, waving gold flags. North Korean runner Pak Kum Dong shared how the encouragement from the audience fueled his endurance during the race.While the event marked a step towards normalcy, there are still no publicly available details on the race results. After gradually easing Covid-19 restrictions in mid-2023, North Korea has opened its doors to some Western tourists, but the further lifting of restrictions remains uncertain.