North Korea hosted its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years on Sunday, with hundreds of runners pounding the streets of the capital and residents cheering them on.
Event Held in Honor of Kim Il Sung
Foreign runners had come to the city before the running competition, organized to commemorate the birth of its founder Kim Il Sung in 1912.
Pictures captured foreign runners running through the starting line at Kim Il Sung Stadium, a few taking pictures with their mobile phones, as North Korean spectators cheered.
Marathon Unites Local and Foreign Athletes
Another picture captured elite North Korean and foreign runners racing on Pyongyang streets, with citizens along the course seen cheering.
Another photo depicts North Korean supporters in stands, waving sticks in cheer.
Biggest International Sports Event in North Korea
The marathon is the biggest overseas sports event in the isolated nation. The event presents a unique chance for tourists to run along Pyongyang’s streets of tightly controlled capital.
Photos published on the Instagram page of Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours which arranges foreign amateur runners to take part, depicted Pyongyang citizens congregating to watch.
“A few pics of today’s Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea. Amazing event and a race like no other,” Cockerell wrote.
Marathon Returns Post-Pandemic
The last edition of the Pyongyang Marathon was held in 2019 before the pandemic. This was during the nuclear-armed state sealed its borders in an effort to contain the virus.
Foreign participants are currently in the capital on a six-day trip organised by Koryo Tours. The Beijing-based travel agency which describes itself as the exclusive travel partner of the marathon.
The previous Pyongyang Marathon was in 2019 prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. This happened when the nuclear state closed its borders in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.
Overseas runners are in the capital on a six-day excursion arranged by Koryo Tours. Which is a Beijing-based tour company that calls itself the official travel partner of the marathon.
An Unmatched Travel Experience
“The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals,” the Beijing-based firm said on its website.
“An experience truly like no other.” The event is posted on the website of international governing body World Athletics.
In 2019, approximately 950 foreigners participated in the race, a rise from about 450 the year before. Approximately 180 foreign runners had been anticipated to compete this year.
“North Korea is a complex and fascinating place that intrigues many people,” Cockerell recently told Australian broadcaster SBS.
“And while it is certainly not for everyone, it definitely appeals to those curious about the experience of visiting such a country and seeing what they can.”
