The capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea organised the International Marathon for the first time in six years, with more than 200 foreign athletes taking part on Sunday.
The marathon is a reverse route through the centre of Pyongyang, past its landmarks, entering the countryside outside the city centre and returning to the stadium where 50,000 spectators await.
Traditionally, the athletes started at the Kim Il Sung Stadium. Participants competed in four distances: 5km, 10km, half-marathon (21.097km) and marathon (42.195km). Both professional and amateur runners could try their hand at the race. The route passed through the centre of Pyongyang, so the athletes not only admired the capital’s sights, but also received enthusiastic support from local residents.
According to China Central Television, the men’s marathon was won by Kim Dong Park, who covered the distance in 2 hours 12 minutes and 11 seconds. The women’s marathon was won by his compatriot Jong Soo Kyung, who ran the route in 2 hours 25 minutes and 50 seconds.
The Pyongyang International Marathon has been held in Pyongyang since 1981. This tradition was interrupted in 2020 – due to coronavirus restrictions. Today, the DPRK once again welcomed athletes from other countries, including China, Russia and Romania.
