North Korea celebrates marathon return after COVID-19 border closures

In a significant event, North Korea hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The marathon, which typically takes place annually in April to celebrate the birth of Kim Il Sung, last occurred in 2019 before the nation sealed its borders in 2020 as a response to the outbreak. This year, approximately 200 international runners participated in a race that drew over 500 total participants. The only way for foreigners to enter North Korea for this event was through a tour package offered by a Beijing-based travel agency, Koryo Tours, thus limiting participation mainly to neighboring countries. The marathon included not only the main marathon event but also a half-marathon, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer races, allowing both professional and amateur runners to compete. The race began at Kim Il Sung Stadium, attracting a crowd of over 50,000 spectators who supported the participants. Despite the joy of the event, it is noteworthy that runners from the United States, South Korea, and Malaysia were excluded from registration due to ongoing diplomatic tensions. This situation highlights the ongoing isolation of North Korea and its cautious approach to diplomatic relations with these countries amidst a backdrop of sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear weapons program and military actions. The successful organization of this marathon marks a cautious step towards reopening, but the overall impact of the pandemic is still evident in the travel restrictions and selective participation of international runners. As the country gradually eases its COVID-19 restrictions, the implications for future international events and tourism remain to be seen. The marathon not only symbolizes a limited return to normalcy for the country but also reflects the complex interplay between sports, politics, and international relations.