Introduction
North Korea, one of the world’s most isolated nations, has taken a significant step toward reopening by hosting its first international marathon since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, held in Pyongyang on April 7, 2024, marked a rare opportunity for foreign athletes and spectators to enter the country after nearly four years of strict border closures.
This event is more than just a sports competition—it symbolizes North Korea’s cautious re-engagement with the outside world. The marathon, which has been a key attraction for tourists in the past, offers a glimpse into the country’s culture, politics, and its approach to international relations.
In this article, we will explore:
- The history of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon
- The impact of COVID-19 on North Korea’s isolation
- The significance of reopening the marathon to foreigners
- The experience of participants and spectators
- What this means for North Korea’s future engagement with the world
History of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon
The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is one of North Korea’s most prestigious sporting events. First held in 1981, the race is named after Mangyongdae, the birthplace of North Korea’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung. The marathon is part of the April Spring Friendship Art Festival, an annual cultural and sports event celebrating the “Day of the Sun” (Kim Il Sung’s birthday on April 15).
Key Features of the Marathon
- Route: The race starts and finishes at Kim Il Sung Stadium, a massive arena that can hold 50,000 spectators.
- Categories: The event includes a full marathon (42.195 km), a half-marathon, and a 10 km race.
- Participants: Before the pandemic, the marathon attracted professional and amateur runners from around the world, including athletes from Africa who often dominated the competition.
- Tourism Impact: The marathon was a major draw for foreign tourists, as it provided a rare chance to visit Pyongyang and interact with locals under controlled conditions.
Past Controversies
North Korea’s marathons have not been without criticism. Some human rights groups have accused the government of using the event for propaganda purposes, showcasing a facade of normalcy while suppressing dissent. Additionally, foreign participants have reported strict surveillance and limited freedom of movement during their stay.
North Korea’s Extreme COVID-19 Lockdown
In January 2020, North Korea became one of the first countries to seal its borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regime, led by Kim Jong Un, imposed some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world, including:
- Complete ban on international travel (including diplomats and aid workers)
- Suspension of trade with China, leading to severe economic strain
- Internal travel restrictions, with citizens barred from moving between regions
- Claims of zero COVID cases, a statement widely doubted by health experts
Impact on Sports and Tourism
- All international sporting events were canceled, including the Pyongyang Marathon.
- Tourism, a rare source of foreign currency, collapsed, with no foreigners allowed in for nearly four years.
- Athletes missed international competitions, further isolating North Korea’s sports programs.
The decision to finally reopen the marathon suggests that North Korea is testing the waters for a broader reopening.
The 2024 Marathon: A Symbol of Reopening?
The 2024 Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon was a carefully controlled event but marked a major shift in North Korea’s pandemic policy.
Key Observations from the Event
- Limited Foreign Participation:
- Unlike pre-pandemic years (when hundreds of foreigners joined), only a small number of international runners were allowed, mostly from China, Russia, and a few African nations.
- Tourists were still heavily restricted, with most participants believed to be diplomats or long-term residents.
- Strict Health Measures:
- All participants reportedly underwent quarantine and testing before the event.
- Spectators inside Kim Il Sung Stadium were masked and socially distanced.
- Propaganda Element:
- State media highlighted the marathon as proof of North Korea’s “triumph over COVID-19.”
- The event was used to promote national pride, with local runners given priority in media coverage.
- Economic Motivations:
- North Korea’s economy has suffered greatly under sanctions and lockdowns.
- Reopening the marathon may be a first step toward reviving tourism revenue.
Athlete Experiences
Foreign runners who participated described a surreal but tightly controlled experience:
- Restricted movement: They were closely monitored and not allowed to explore Pyongyang freely.
- Staged interactions: Meetings with locals appeared scripted, with minders ensuring no unapproved conversations.
- Unique atmosphere: Despite restrictions, the enthusiasm of North Korean spectators was noted as genuine, with crowds cheering loudly for all runners.
What Does This Mean for North Korea’s Future?
The return of the Pyongyang Marathon is a small but notable step in North Korea’s engagement with the outside world. Several possibilities emerge:
1. Gradual Reopening to Tourism
- If the marathon proceeds without COVID outbreaks, North Korea may allow more international events.
- Tour groups could slowly return, bringing much-needed foreign currency.
2. Diplomatic Signaling
- Hosting foreigners could be a way to soften North Korea’s image amid tensions with the U.S. and South Korea.
- It may also be a gesture to China and Russia, its few remaining allies.
3. Continued Caution
- North Korea’s healthcare system is weak, and a major COVID outbreak could be disastrous.
- The regime may reverse reopening if cases emerge.
4. Sports Diplomacy
- North Korea has used sports for diplomacy before (e.g., joint teams with South Korea in the 2018 Olympics).
- Future sporting exchanges could be a path to dialogue with other nations.
Conclusion
The 2024 Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon was more than just a race—it was a symbolic moment in North Korea’s post-pandemic strategy. By allowing foreigners back into the country for the first time in years, the regime signaled a cautious willingness to re-engage with the world.
However, significant challenges remain. North Korea’s economy is struggling, international sanctions persist, and the country’s leadership remains deeply suspicious of outside influence. Whether the marathon marks the beginning of a broader reopening or remains an isolated event will depend on Pyongyang’s next moves.
For now, the return of the Pyongyang Marathon offers a rare glimpse inside one of the most secretive nations on Earth—and a reminder that even the most closed societies cannot shut out the world forever.
Final Thoughts
- Will North Korea continue to open up, or will it retreat back into isolation?
- Could sports diplomacy help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula?
- How will the global community respond to North Korea’s cautious outreach?
