North Korea holds first Pyongyang marathon since closing borders during Covid pandemic

North Korea held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years on April 6, 2025. The race was also the first time the reclusive country has hosted foreign runners since it largely closed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic. The marathon was one of several events held to celebrate the April 15 birthday of Kim Il-sung, North Korea’s founder and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un.