Foreign runners participate in Pyongyang International Marathon, a rare opportunity to experience North Korea’s unique culture.
For the first time since 2019, foreign athletes are competing in the Pyongyang International Marathon, a rare opportunity for outsiders to experience the country’s unique culture. Over 180 runners from countries such as China and Romania have joined local competitors for a race through the streets of North Korea’s capital.
The Pyongyang International Marathon is an annual marathon held in the capital city of North Korea.
The event, which attracts runners from around the world, takes place on a 42.195 km course that passes through some of Pyongyang's most notable landmarks.
According to official reports, the marathon has been held annually since 2014, with participation numbers steadily increasing over the years.
In 2020, the event saw a record number of foreign participants, with runners from over 50 countries in attendance.
The event is one of several in the country that will celebrate the April 15 birthday of Kim Il Sung, the nation’s founder and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un. The marathon provides an opportunity to interact with locals, as Simon Cockerell, exclusive travel partner for Koryo Tours, notes: ‘The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience.’
Participants will be greeted by 50,000 cheering North Koreans when they return to the finish line at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. The race began with locals greeting participants before the starting gun, and runners will head past landmarks before returning to a crowd at the stadium.
Located in East Asia, North Korea shares borders with China to the north, Russia to the northeast, and South Korea to the south.
The country's terrain is mountainous, with over 80% of its land covered by mountains.
The 'Demilitarized Zone' (DMZ) separates North Korea from South Korea.
The climate varies from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south, with cold winters and hot summers.
The marathon is listed on the website of global governing body World Athletics and is considered the largest international sporting event in North Korea. However, the country’s reputation as an international pariah for its belligerent provocations, breaches of international missile test agreements, chemical weapons stockpiles, and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine makes such events rare.
The totalitarian, hermit state is under numerous international sanctions and has one of the world’s worst human rights records according to groups such as ‘Amnesty International‘ . Despite these challenges, the Pyongyang International Marathon offers a glimpse into North Korea’s complex and fascinating culture, making it an experience appealing to those curious about visiting the country.
