North Korea Holds First International Marathon After Covid-19
After a six-year hiatus, North Korea has revived its Pyongyang International Marathon, attracting about 200 foreign runners from various countries to join local participants in the event. The marathon, which took place on Sunday, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to revive its international connections and boost its tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Pyongyang International Marathon has been a beloved event in North Korea since its inception in 1981. However, the pandemic forced the country to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021, as well as restrict international travel and seal its borders to prevent the spread of the virus. Despite the challenges, North Korea has been working tirelessly to revive its economy and rebuild its international relationships.
The marathon, which is part of the celebrations marking the 108th birthday of Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un, has traditionally been a major tourist attraction. The event typically attracts thousands of participants from around the world, who come to experience the country’s unique culture, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks.
This year’s event saw a smaller but still significant number of international participants, with around 200 runners joining the event from over 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, China, and several European nations. The participants were greeted with a warm welcome at the Pyongyang International Stadium, where they were presented with commemorative medals and certificates.
The marathon route took runners through some of Pyongyang’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kim Il Sung Square, the Grand People’s Study House, and the Mansudae Fountain Park. The event was also marked by a series of cultural performances, including traditional Korean music and dance, as well as a ceremony to pay tribute to Kim Il Sung.
The revival of the Pyongyang International Marathon is seen as a significant step forward for North Korea’s tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic. The event is expected to help boost the country’s economy and attract more international visitors to the country.
In recent years, North Korea has taken steps to revamp its tourism industry, investing in new infrastructure and attractions, such as the Pyongyang Metro, the Grand People’s Study House, and the Koryo Hotel. The country has also launched a number of new tourism initiatives, including the “Pyongyang City Tour” and the “Mount Kumgang Tour”, which offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
The Pyongyang International Marathon is just one of several international events that North Korea has planned for the coming months. The country is also set to host the 2023 Pyongyang International Chess Championship, as well as the 2024 Pyongyang International Film Festival.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, North Korea has shown remarkable resilience and determination to revive its economy and rebuild its international relationships. The revival of the Pyongyang International Marathon is a testament to the country’s commitment to tourism and cultural exchange, and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and international reputation.
Source:
https://amp.dw.com/en/north-korea-stages-first-international-marathon-in-six-years/a-72154880
