N Korea holds first international marathon in six years

North Korea has hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, attracting around 200 foreign runners to the streets of the secretive nation’s capital. The marathon, initiated in 1981, occurred every April to commemorate the birthday of its founding leader Kim Il Sung.

Prior to Sunday’s marathon, the event was last conducted in 2019, with 950 international participants. North Korea isolated itself the next year, as the Covid-19 pandemic emerged.

Since last year, North Korea has been gradual in its reopening, permitting only Russian tourists to enter its capital. Runners have been required to enter the country as part of an organized tour group, similar to the situation before the pandemic.

Koryo Tours, a travel agency in Beijing marked as an “exclusive partner” on the event site, provides six-day marathon tours priced at 2,195 euros ($2,406), which includes flights to and from Beijing.

The marathon route on Sunday led runners by notable city landmarks, such as the Kim Il Sung stadium, the Arch of Triumph erected to honor Kim Il Sung’s contributions against Japanese domination, and the Mirae Future Scientists’ Street, which is described as a neighborhood for scientists and engineers.

Images available on the internet depict the stadium – the location where athletes begin and complete their race – packed with fans, many enthusiastically applauding and brandishing gold-colored paper flags.