A Global Event with Local Impact
After a long six-year break due to COVID-19 restrictions and international isolation, North Korea reopened its doors to the world at least symbolically by hosting the Pyongyang International Marathon in April 2025. The event marks a significant shift in the secretive country’s recent international posture and has sparked global discussions about sports diplomacy, tourism, and geopolitics.
Why Is This Marathon So Important?
The Pyongyang Marathon, officially known as the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, is more than just a sporting event. It's a rare opportunity for foreigners to visit North Korea and witness its capital firsthand. For a country that is often closed off to the world, this marathon serves as a strategic soft power tool to enhance its image globally.
This year's marathon saw over 500 international participants from more than 40 countries, a strong turnout considering the event hadn’t been held since 2019. However, citizens from South Korea, Malaysia, and the United States were not allowed to join due to ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Winners and Highlights
North Korea dominated the winners’ list, with Pak Kum Dong winning the men’s full marathon and Jon Su Gyong clinching the women’s full marathon title. The event featured a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon, 10 km races, and a 5 km fun run open to both professional athletes and amateurs.
Participants ran past iconic sites such as Kim Il Sung Stadium, the Taedong River, and the Arch of Triumph, giving runners a glimpse of Pyongyang’s tightly controlled urban charm.
Health Measures and Safety
Due to the recent lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in the country, participants were subjected to strict health protocols. Entrants were reportedly tested upon arrival, and all runners were required to wear masks before and after the event. While local media portrayed the event as a celebration of national pride and unity, international observers noted the marathon’s significance as a step toward normalization in a post-pandemic world.
What This Means for North Korea
Hosting this marathon again suggests North Korea may be trying to rebuild tourism a key source of income that has been largely blocked since the pandemic. While the country remains under heavy international sanctions, controlled sporting events like this help project a more positive global image.
Experts believe this could be the start of North Korea’s gradual reopening, though any major policy changes are unlikely without geopolitical negotiations, particularly around nuclear issues and sanctions.
International Reactions
International response to the event has been mixed. Some see it as a hopeful sign of engagement, while others argue it's a propaganda tool meant to mask internal economic issues and human rights concerns.
Foreign participants have shared mixed feelings. While many praised the organization of the event and the uniqueness of running in Pyongyang, others mentioned the heavy surveillance and restrictions they faced while inside the country.
The Role of Sports Diplomacy
Sports have always played a unique role in global politics. Just as ping-pong diplomacy helped improve U.S.-China relations in the 1970s, the Pyongyang Marathon could act as a gateway to future dialogue between North Korea and the international community.
Although a single event cannot solve decades of political tension, it does offer a moment of shared humanity, where people from different backgrounds come together through a universal love of sports.
A Small Step, But a Symbolic One
While the Pyongyang Marathon is not expected to bring immediate political change, its return is a powerful symbol. It shows that even one of the world’s most isolated countries is willing to take small steps toward global engagement.