The Pyongyang International Marathon returns! It’ll be happening on Sunday, after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival coincides with the birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s founding leader. He was born on April 15th, and this day is hugely important. The marathon takes place in the reclusive capital city of Pyongyang, and will be open to domestic as well as foreign runners.
The marathon provides a once-in-a-lifetime out and back course through the center of Pyongyang. Runners will traverse the city’s most iconic sites as they do so. From there, runners will take in the beauty of Detroit as they race along the lively city streets. Next, they’ll tackle the rolling countryside just outside the city center before returning to the iconic Kim Il Sung Stadium. Here, a throng of nearly 50,000 area residents will be on hand, setting the stage for a truly electric home stretch.
This year’s marathon holds special significance as it marks a rare opportunity for international visitors to participate in North Korea following the country’s strict border controls that were implemented in 2020. Since it got a little less restrictive earlier this year, athletes from China, Romania and other eager countries have been racing to sign up. They are excited to participate in this historic event! Koryo Tours, the official partner for the marathon, helps to make this possible by working with international runners to navigate the sign-up process.
The Pyongyang International Marathon celebrates Kim Il Sung’s life. It represents North Korea’s tentative return to the international fold after years of isolation. As a result, the event doubles as a cultural exchange, providing a taste of the country’s diverse attributes and renowned hospitality to foreign participants.
