North Korea Hosts First Pyongyang Marathon Since Pandemic, Signaling Reopening

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On April 6, 2025, North Korea hosted its first Pyongyang International Marathon since 2019, marking a significant step toward reopening its borders after years of pandemic-induced isolation. The event attracted approximately 200 foreign participants from countries including China and Romania, who arrived in Pyongyang in the days leading up to the race and prepared at a local hotel.

The marathon's route traversed central Pyongyang landmarks, extended into the countryside, and concluded at Kim Il Sung Stadium, where a crowd of 50,000 spectators was present. This event was part of the celebrations for the April 15 birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's founder. State media covered the marathon, and photos shared online depicted a masked crowd and foreign runners, capturing the festive atmosphere. As of the latest reports, the winner of the race had not been announced by local media.

The Pyongyang International Marathon, officially known as the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, has been held annually since the early 1980s. It is one of the largest sporting events in North Korea and holds significant cultural importance, as Korea’s first Olympic gold medal was won in the marathon event at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The marathon is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and offers full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km races.

North Korea had closed its borders in 2020 due to COVID-19 and began lifting restrictions gradually since 2023. In March 2025, a small group of 13 international tourists visited the Rason area, a special economic zone in northeastern North Korea, indicating a cautious reopening of the country's tourism sector. This group joined a five-day tour organized by Beijing-based Koryo Tours.

The resumption of the Pyongyang International Marathon and the reopening to foreign visitors suggest North Korea's intent to revive its economy and international engagement. The country's tourism sector, severely impacted by the pandemic, is a potential avenue for economic recovery. However, the return of foreign workers and tourists may violate U.N. sanctions, posing diplomatic challenges.

Tags: #north korea, #pyongyang marathon, #tourism, #covid-19 reopening, #international sanctions

Sources

  1. North Korea holds first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years
  2. Pyongyang Marathon 2025 – Race Info, Registration & Travel FAQs | Koryo Tours - Koryo Tours
  3. North Korea opens to a group of international travelers for the 1st time in years
  4. North Korea to allow its citizens abroad to return home, a sign of further easing of pandemic curbs

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