North Korea has started recruiting participants for the upcoming Pyongyang International Marathon, set to take place in April, marking the event’s potential return after a six-year hiatus, according to a North Korean sports website on Monday.
The official website, Sports in the DPR Korea, managed by the country’s sports ministry, released application details for the 31st edition of the Pyongyang International Marathon, which is scheduled for April 6.
Originally launched in 1981 to commemorate the birthday of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, on April 15, the marathon was held annually until its suspension in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. If the event proceeds as planned, it will be the first to occur in six years.
This development suggests that North Korea may be easing its pandemic-related border restrictions, potentially reopening to foreign travelers and seeking to boost its economy through tourism revenue.
The marathon will welcome both professional and amateur runners, offering four categories: the full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer races.
The race will start at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang and take participants past notable landmarks such as the Pyongyang Grand Theatre and the Mangyongdae Children’s Palace.
North Korea plans to send official invitations by January 20, offering to sponsor one male and one female professional marathoner from each country to participate in the event.
Amateur runners from East and Southeast Asian countries can register through North Korea-affiliated travel agencies, while applicants from regions like Singapore, China, and Hong Kong must apply via a Beijing-based travel agency.
Participation fees are approximately $150 for the full marathon, $100 for the half marathon, and $70 for the shorter distances.
Tags: North Korea, Pyongyang International Marathon, Tourism
