Every year North Korea holds two Marathons. One in April known as the Mangyondae Prize Marathon and a lesser known Autumn Marathon! Not known to many, is that these unique events are open to foreigners! Yes, that’s right it is possible for foreigners to both go to North Korea and for them to compete in a marathon!

So, how can you enter a marathon in Pyongyang?

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Firstly, you need to join a tour group to enter the country as a tourist. Young Pioneer Tours runs tours year-round and can help you through the entire process including helping you get your North Korean visa! To come on the marathon, you must join one of these tour groups.

Young Pioneer Tours runs multiple tours every year for each Marathon event to get you in on all the upcoming action.

April 2021 Pyongyang Marathon Tours

Pyongyang Marathon and Kim Il Sung Birthday Tour – 5 or 7 Days / 995 or 1195 Euros

Pyongyang Marathon Ultra Budget Tour – 3 Days / 495 Euros

Autumn 2021 Marathon Tours

Pyongyang Autumn Marathon Ultra Budget Tour –  3 Days / 445 Euros 

Who can come?

Both marathon event’s are open to everyone except US and South Korean citizens. Everyone else is invited to join the Pyongyang marathon and compete in either 5km, 10km, half marathon or full marathon. The event is also open for differently-abled people too. Read our FAQs for more information.

Do many foreigners compete?

Yes! In fact, this is the time of year when most foreigners come to Pyongyang. Hundreds of foreigners come from around the world to compete in one of the world’s most unique marathons out there.

What happens if I don’t finish the race in time?

If you don’t finish the race in the allotted times, then no need to worry. A bus will come by and pick up those still running and take them to the finish line where they will be greeted by thousands of cheering spectators.

Is it expensive?

Young Pioneer Tours offers the cheapest tours out there to get in on all the Marathon action with our cheapest tours stating from just 445 Euros. The April and Autumn marathon both have different entry fees which you can see below.

Autumn Marathon Tour Entry Costs

Race	Cost of Entry
5KM Marathon (5km/3 miles)	€40 Euros
10KM Marathon (10km/6 miles)	€50 Euros
Half Marathon (20km/12 miles)	€65 Euros
Full Marathon (42km/26 miles)	€80 Euros

April Marathon Entry Costs

Race	Cost of Entry
5KM Marathon (5km/3 miles)	€65 Euros
10KM Marathon (10km/6 miles)	€65 Euros
Half Marathon (20km/12 miles)	€90 Euros
Full Marathon (42km/26 miles)	€135 Euros

How do I join one a Marathon Tour?

Simply get in contact with one of our staff through our website and they will help you secure your place in the marathon.

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Click here for FAQs on the Pyongyang Marathon.