North Korea has welcomed foreign runners to participate in the Pyongyang International Marathon, marking the first edition of the event since 2019. The country, which largely closed its borders following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been gradually revisiting international engagements.
Approximately 200 foreign athletes from countries including China and Romania are competing alongside local participants in the marathon, which takes place through the streets of the North Korean capital. In 2019, nearly 950 international runners took part in the race before borders were shut.
Despite allowing select groups of Russian tourists to enter, North Korea’s capital city remains largely inaccessible to outsiders. The marathon forms part of a series of events commemorating the birthday of Kim Il Sung, the nation’s founder, who was born on April 15, 1912. This occasion is particularly significant as it is celebrated widely in the country and is tied to the ongoing leadership of his grandson, Kim Jong Un.
Simon Cockerell, managing director of Koryo Tours, a travel company promoting the marathon, described the event as “an extremely unique experience” that affords participants the chance to interact with local residents. He characterised North Korea as “a complex and fascinating place,” adding, “While it is definitely not for everyone, it appeals to those curious about the experience of visiting such a country and seeing what they can.”
The marathon commenced with a warm welcome from locals at Kim Il Sung Stadium before the starting gun was fired. Runners traversed notable landmarks and ventured into the countryside, returning to a crowd of approximately 50,000 spectators at the stadium.
Recognised by the global governing body World Athletics, this marathon holds the distinction of being the largest international sporting event in North Korea. The nuclear-armed nation is often viewed as an international pariah due to its contentious activities, including violations of missile test agreements, stockpiling chemical weapons, and its support for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
North Korea remains heavily sanctioned by the international community and has one of the poorest human rights records worldwide, as reported by organisations such as Amnesty International (AI). Nevertheless, the resumption of the marathon reflects the country’s cautious movement towards normalcy in international sporting events, amid its complex global standing.
Source : DW
