Pyongyang Marathon tickets for the 2026 international race sold out within hours of sales opening, showing huge global demand. Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency, confirmed that all 500 spots were booked in less than five hours. The rapid sellout highlights strong interest in participating in North Korea’s major sporting event.
Koryo Tours announced the sellout on its social media account Tuesday and said it will try to open additional spots. The agency encouraged interested runners to join a waiting list to secure future participation. Trips will depart from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenyang for the April 5 marathon in Pyongyang.
The 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon will offer four race distances: a full 42-kilometer marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer events. Runners with disabilities, including wheelchair users and visually impaired participants, can also join, reflecting efforts to present an inclusive international event.
Officials prohibit runners holding South Korean, U.S., Malaysian, or Japanese passports, as well as international press members, from participating. Despite these restrictions, the event continues to attract broad international interest.
The Pyongyang Marathon, previously called the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, began in 1981 to celebrate the birthday of North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung on April 15. The race paused for five years from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed last year to welcome foreign participants and generate tourism revenue.
Analysts say the rapid sellout demonstrates international curiosity and enthusiasm, even amid geopolitical tensions. The event allows North Korea to showcase Pyongyang while earning limited foreign currency.
Koryo Tours said it will monitor demand closely and may offer additional travel packages if possible. Prospective runners should register early, as Pyongyang Marathon tickets will remain highly sought after in future years.
