For the first time since 2019, the Pyongyang International Marathon has welcomed foreign athletes to compete alongside local runners in the North Korean capital. This year, approximately 200 runners from countries such as China and Romania participated, while in 2019, there were about 950 foreign participants.

North Korea closed its borders due to the coronavirus pandemic and has only recently begun to reopen, allowing in small groups of tourists, including a recent visit by Russians. Despite this, the capital city remains largely closed to the outside world.

The marathon is one of several events being held in the country to celebrate the birthday of North Korea’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un. Simon Cockerell, who runs Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based company and the exclusive travel partner for the race, described the Pyongyang Marathon as an “extremely unique experience” that allows participants to interact with locals.

The event began at Kim Il Sung Stadium, with 50,000 locals cheering on the participants as they ran past historic landmarks and through the countryside before returning to the stadium. The marathon, which is sanctioned by World Athletics, is the largest international sporting event in the country.

North Korea is known as an international pariah due to its aggressive behavior, violations of international missile test agreements, chemical weapons stockpiles, and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The nation faces numerous international sanctions and has a poor human rights record according to organizations such as Amnesty International.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/north-korea-stages-first-international-marathon-in-six-years/a-72154880?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf