North Korea Revives Pyongyang International Marathon After Six-Year Hiatus**

The Pyongyang International Marathon returned for the first time in six years, attracting 200 foreign runners. Organized through tour groups, participants traversed iconic city landmarks, as North Korea slowly reopens its borders post-pandemic.**

North Korea has marked a significant moment in its sporting history by hosting the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years. This event, which celebrates the nation's founding leader Kim Il Sung, drew around 200 international runners back to the capital, signaling a cautious return to normalcy following stringent pandemic-related closures.

Originally launched in 1981, the marathon was held annually every April until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the country to shut its borders in 2020, with the last edition occurring in 2019 when approximately 950 foreigners participated. While North Korea has slowly begun easing its travel restrictions, the marathon primarily welcomed participants through organized tours, as was common prior to the health crisis.

Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency, served as the exclusive partner for the event, offering extensive six-day packages starting from 2,195 euros ($2,406). Their advertising highlighted the unique opportunity to engage with local people during the marathon experience. Runners traversed a scenic route marked by key historic sites, including the Kim Il Sung stadium, the Arch of Triumph and the Mirae Future Scientists' Street.

Numerous photos from the event display the stadium bustling with spectators, who cheered and waved gold paper flags in support of the athletes. North Korean participant Pak Kum Dong expressed the motivational role of his fellow citizens, stating, “The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired.”

Despite the significance of the event, detailed results from the race have not been publicly shared. Following a gradual easing of restrictions earlier this year, North Korea has allowed limited numbers of foreign visitors, including some Western tourists, while maintaining caution in its travel policy.