North Korea to hold marathon 'virtually'

Participants of the Pyongyang Marathon run down Mirae Scientists Street in the North Korean capital in this April 9, 2018, photo. Yonhap

By Kim Rahn, Kang Seung-woo

North Korea will hold its annual international marathon event this year ― virtually ― according to the official website of the competition and Koryo Tours, the official event partner of the marathon, Friday.

The website highlighted that the virtual Pyongyang Marathon is "open to all nationalities," specifically mentioning "South Koreans."

The North has held the Pyongyang Marathon, also known as Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, since 1981 to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung in April. It has allowed the participation of foreigners since 2014, but South Koreans have been unable to participate.

Last year's event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, amid the prolonged pandemic situation, the event organizers have come up with a virtual marathon, which "aims to give you the feeling of taking part in the Pyongyang Marathon as much as possible without actually being in Pyongyang," according to the website.

Participants will run individually at their respective locations at any time between April 5 and 11 and submit the record to a designated website or app. Organizers said the participants will receive a "Virtual Pyongyang Marathon pack, which includes a Pyongyang Marathon bib, the option to purchase an official Pyongyang Marathon shirt and a runner's guide that will let you know how to make your Virtual Pyongyang Marathon as authentic as possible." Those completing the event will also receive an official certificate and medal.

The website said unlike the offline event, the virtual one is "open to all nationalities, so South Koreans, Americans and anyone else can get involved and share the experience."

The organizers said more information, including how to sign up, would be disclosed soon.

As to whether South Koreans' participation would be in violation of the National Security Law, a unification ministry official said the government would come to a conclusion when the details of the marathon come out. "If the North Korean authorities are okay (with the participation) and we also conclude so, South Koreans would be able to join after reporting their participation to the relevant authorities in advance according to the law on inter-Korean exchanges," the official said.

"They may also be able to receive the marathon items from the North if they get prior approval."