North Korea announced the sudden cancellation of the 2026 Pyongyang Marathon, citing "some reasons" without further explanation. Meanwhile, a partner tour company revealed that the decision came from authorities higher than the event organizers.
The international Pyongyang Marathon, originally scheduled for 5 April 2026, was abruptly canceled. Koryo Tours, the official partner of the event, stated that they were informed of the cancellation by the North Korean Athletics Association.
According to a message from the North Korean Athletics Association's secretary-general cited by the tour company, the race was canceled "due to some reasons." They thanked professional and amateur runners worldwide for their interest in the Pyongyang International Marathon but did not provide further details about the cancellation.
Koryo Tours, headquartered in Beijing, China, said they understand that this decision is final and likely came from authorities above the event organizers. They noted that neither the organizers nor the event partners were involved in the decision and acknowledged that the announcement may disappoint many registered or prospective runners.
The tour company offers travel packages for foreign runners departing from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenyang, priced from $2,529 (approximately 80,321 baht) for a two-and-a-half-night stay in Pyongyang. The package includes race entry and tours of major landmarks in the capital. Tickets for this year had already sold out according to the company's website.
The company stated it will refund all deposits to registrants and offers runners the option to keep their deposits for future events or other North Korea tours. The schedule for the 2027 marathon has not yet been announced.
The Pyongyang Marathon began in 1981 to commemorate the birthday of Kim Il-sung, North Korea's founding leader. It welcomes both amateur and professional runners and features several distances: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon (21.1 km), and full marathon (42.2 km).
The race was held again last year after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
. BBC