For the first time in six years, North Korea hosted its Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday, marking a significant reopening of its borders to foreign athletes after prolonged pandemic-era isolation. The event welcomed runners from countries including China, Romania, and several others, signaling a cautious return to international engagement.

According to state outlets KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, athletes arrived in the capital to take part in the marathon, a rare moment of global interaction in the usually closed-off nation. The event is being organized in partnership with Koryo Tours, a travel company that oversees the registration and logistics for international participants wishing to attend.

North Korea sealed its borders in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and had remained one of the most isolated countries throughout the global health crisis. However, border controls have gradually loosened since 2023, including limited tourist access for groups from Russia. Despite these changes, Pyongyang is still largely off-limits to standard tourism.

The return of the marathon not only reflects a step toward normalcy but also serves as a soft diplomatic gesture through sport. The race follows a looped route through central Pyongyang, offering runners a rare view of the city’s most iconic sites, then leads briefly into the countryside before finishing back at a stadium packed with an estimated 50,000 spectators.

This sporting event is one of North Korea’s most high-profile international gatherings, traditionally held to coincide with national holidays and celebrations. Its revival is likely to be interpreted as part of the country's broader strategy to re-engage with select international communities, even while broader travel restrictions remain in place.

Though access to North Korea is still heavily controlled, the successful organization of the Pyongyang Marathon may be a signal that more controlled exchanges—particularly in the realm of sports and cultural events—could be on the horizon.