North Korea celebrated the return of its Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday, marking the first such event in six years, as the country continues to navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 500 participants, including around 200 international runners from countries like China, Romania, and Ethiopia, participated in the event.

The marathon, which is one of several events celebrating the April 15 birthday of North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung, began at the Kim Il Sung Stadium. Athletes ran a course that highlighted iconic landmarks of Pyongyang, and a thrilling atmosphere was created by over 50,000 local spectators, as reported by South China Morning Post.

State-run media noted that North Korean runner Pak Kum Dong claimed victory, clocking in at just over two hours. The event has been closely organized by Koryo Tours, which has facilitated foreign entries since the marathon's inception.

North Korea had sealed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic, slowly lifting restrictions since earlier this year. The marathon not only served as a sporting event but also as a rare opportunity for foreign visitors to experience the tightly controlled capital, as tourism remains significantly restricted. The event's revival indicates North Korea's cautious steps towards reopening to the world while maintaining strict regulations, especially concerning visitors from nations with ongoing diplomatic tensions.

With foreign participants required to join organized tours, the marathon represents a blending of sport and cultural exchange in a country known for its isolation. The recent shift in North Korea's policies, allowing some foreigners to partake in the marathon, signals a potential avenue for future engagement with the international community.

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