All you need to know about the Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 from Koryo Tours, The Official Pyongyang International Marathon partners.
Pyongyang Marathon
5th April, 2026
Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 in Pyongyang, North Korea
All you need to know about the Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 from the official Pyongyang Marathon partners, Koryo Tours.
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Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Key Info
Pyongyang Marathon Announcement
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Bookings
Pyongyang Marathon Trips
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Route
Pyongyang Marathon Distances & Time Limits
Eligibility for the Pyongyang International Marathon
Pyongyang International Marathon Running Delegation
Entering the Pyongyang Marathon
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Further Information
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 FAQs
Pyongyang Marathon Key Info
Confirmed Date: Sunday, April 5th 2026
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Entry: Entry can be made through Koryo Tours, official Pyongyang Marathon partners. Open to all ‘amateur athletes’.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Distances & Time Limits: 5km/2 hours, 10km/2 hours, 21km/2.5 hours, 42km/4.5 hours*
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Trips: 3 Night to 5 Night trips to Pyongyang available.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Route: New route for 2026 - 2031 confirmed by World Athletics.
Capacity: 100 participants per trip. (500 total, subject to potential change**).
*In previous years, the marathon cut-off time has been changed from 4.5 hours to 3.5 hours last minute. Runners should be aware that this may be the case for this year.
**Capacity is limited to flight availability. If more flights become available, capacity will be increased.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Announcement
Koryo Tours, the official partners of the Pyongyang International Marathon, are very pleased to announce that the 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon has now been confirmed and that we invite you to join us for this amazing event and to visit North Korea in April 2026.
Date
Confirmed Date for Pyongyang Marathon 2026:
Sunday, April 5th 2026.
Sunday, April 5th 2026.
This is the date that the Pyongyang International Marathon will take place.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Trips
Key Info Pyongyang Marathon Trips
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Itineraries: Pyongyang only at this time - if this changes then adjustments will be made
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Nights: 2.5 - 5 nights
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Mode of Transport: Return Flight
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Cost: From 2190 to 2390 EUR per person.
Koryo Tours, as the official partner of the race, can exclusively offer packages that include excursions around Pyongyang as well as participation in the race itself.
Click on the links below for bookings or email us on [email protected].
Pyongyang Marathon 5-night Trip from Beijing - Thursday Departure
- Thursday April 2nd – Tuesday April 7th 2026
- 5 nights in the DPRK.
- Flight in and out Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing.
- 2390 EUR per person
- Limited to 100 participants
Click here for full details and to book
Pyongyang Marathon 3-night Trip from Beijing
- Friday April 3rd – Monday April 6th 2026
- 3 nights in the DPRK.
- Flight: Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing.
- 2190 EUR per person
- Limited to 100 participants
Click here for full details and to book
Pyongyang Marathon Trip from Shanghai
- Friday April 3rd – Sunday April 5th 2026
- 2.5 nights in the DPRK.
- Flight: Shanghai – Pyongyang – Shanghai.
- 2190 EUR per person
- Limited to 100 participants
Click here for full details and to book
Pyongyang Marathon 5-night Trip from Beijing - Saturday Departure
- Saturday April 4th – Thursday April 9th 2026
- 5 nights in the DPRK.
- Flight: Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing.
- 2390 EUR per person
- Limited to 100 participants
Click here for full details and to book
Pyongyang Marathon Trip from Shenyang
- Saturday April 4th – Wednesday April 8th 2026
- 4 nights in the DPRK.
- Flight: Shenyang – Pyongyang – Shenyang
- 2190 EUR per person
- Limited to 100 participants
Click here for full details and to book
Are there any other options?
Full planned itineraries for excursions can be found at the links above, as well as application forms to join us in the Pyongyang Marathon in April 2026.
The above are the only available trips for the Pyongyang Marathon 2026. It is not possible to customise a trip or for private trips. This is due to the limitations of delegation visits.
For now, the only option is for flights in and out of the DPRK. International passenger trains have not resumed.
If this changes, we will adapt what is being offered.
Is this a Tour to North Korea?
Tourism is currently restricted in North Korea. These packages are not offered officially as tourist trips.
If tourism becomes available again before the Pyongyang Marathon takes place, we expect to be able to offer a wider range of packages, private tour options, different prices and hotel options, and much greater customisation options.
If this happens, we will be able to rearrange for each applicant to rebook the trip they prefer. If tourism does not resume within that time, then the options above will remain the only ones.
These delegation packages are now open for booking and we encourage you to book and confirm your place early.
Space will be limited to the capacity of flights and the capacity of the hotels in Pyongyang.
Pyongyang Marathon Route
In 2026, there is a new route for the Pyongyang Marathon. This has been approved by World Athletics for the next five years.
A new official route map is not yet available but when it is we will announce it. The route is mostly rhe same as 2025 and remains a return course - running through the streets and turning back along the same route to the finish line.
However, the Pyongyang Marathon 2026 sees a big change in its route. This time, the race will no longer start and finish inside Kim Il Sung Stadium.
Instead, the starting and finishing line of the Pyongyang Marathon will be outside the stadium.
The full stadium start and finish in previous years was a major highlight. So, this comes at a disappointment. However, this decision has been made at a higher level.
Crowds will still line the streets of Pyongyang, of course, and the running route will take you past major Pyongyang landmarks in a unique way of seeing the city. Plus, you will be running alongside local athletes and runners from around the world.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Distances and Time Limits
You can decide to run various distances in the Pyongyang Marathon.
You can find the information for all distances below.
Distances
- 5km
- 10km
- 21km (half-marathon)
- 42km (full marathon)
Time Limits
- 5km - 2 hours
- 10km - 2 hours
- 21km (half-marathon) - 2.5 hours
- 42km (full marathon) - 4.5 hours*
A note on Pyongyang Marathon distances and time limits:
In both 2019 and 2025, the last two Pyongyang Marathons, the time limit for the full marathon was dropped to 3.5 hours at the last minute. We therefore suggest you prepare for this to be the real time limit for the full marathon.
It will not be possible to charge race at the very last minute. So, if you cannot run a full marathon in 3.5 hours, then you should sign up for a shorter running distance.
If you do not finish the race in time, you will be picked up by a vehicle and not permitted to complete the race.
Eligibility for the Pyongyang International Marathon
Everyone who signs up for this event and is willing to participate will be considered an ‘amateur athlete’.
There is no requirement to be particularly athletic or to have a history of taking part in road races.
You may choose a short distance and walk most of the way. Or, you could compete for a winner’s medal and get on the podium. It is up to you.
You can find the Pyongyang International Marathon 2025 results here so you can see what to expect.
As all participants in these delegation visits will be invited specifically for the marathon, you are obligated to enter the race.
But if someone is injured and not able to participate, they would be able to simply watch instead.
A full package trip to North Korea is included in the trip. So, there is more than just the race to take part in.
You can make this the focal part of the trip, or just something else to take part in while visiting Pyongyang.
You choose!
Pyongyang Marathon Running Delegation
To enter the Pyongyang Marathon 2026, you must be part of the official running delegation. This means you have to take part in a race. You will then have the chance to explore Pyongyang before/after the marathon.
Of course if you are injured or unable to run then nobody forces you, also the time limits for the shorter races are generous enough that they can be easily walked in the time allowed.
How to enter the Pyongyang Marathon 2026?
Let’s take a look at all you need to know about what being part of a ‘running delegation’ means and information on the Pyongyang Marathon 2026 trips.
Running Delegations & Amateur Athletes
At the time of writing, regular tourism to North Korea has still not resumed.
So, as with 2025, all participants will be entered as amateur athletes.
This means that your North Korean visa will be what is known as a ‘delegation visa’, not ‘tourist visa’. Therefore, you will be a guest of the Pyongyang International Marathon and not technically a tourist.
So, does that mean you have to be a professional athlete? Or what qualifies as an amateur athlete?
No, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get a delegation visa. And an ‘amateur athlete’ is considered as anyone who has signed up to the Pyongyang Marathon race. You may simply do a 5km walk, if you like - or sprint the whole 42km!
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Further Information
Limited Capacity
Trips are currently limited to 100 participants per trip. This is due to the limits of flight capacity and availability. Once this limit is reached, then the trip will be closed. We will establish a waiting list for those interested to go on full trips, and see if space becomes available due to cancellations.
Previously, the airline (Air Koryo) was able to add extra flights on days with high demand, and we will push for this to happen at this time. The situation is however out of our control. As and when more information becomes available about increased capacity, we will make an announcement.
If tourism to North Korea resumes in the meantime, or if more areas of the country become possible to visit, then we will extend the trips we offer and you may change or adapt your booking should you wish.
We are always as flexible as possible in a place that offers little flexibility. We cannot know if tourism and the wider range of activities it offers will have resumed by that time.
We pledge to keep in touch with all our contacts though to offer the maximum access and options as and when the situation changes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What is and isn’t included in the Pyongyang Marathon trip delegation package:
Included:
- Air Koryo return
- Excursion package as described in the itinerary online
- Hotel accommodation in Pyongyang
- All meals on the trip
- All transportation on the trip
- Guide/Translation services throughout the trip
- Pyongyang International Marathon official running shirt for all participants, finishers medal and certificate for all who complete their race.
Not Included:
- DPRK visa fee – delegation visa costs vary by nationality: in most cases the visas will be issued in China and costs there are in RMB (Chinese money), from 250 – 1000 RMB depending on your passport – we will advise on costs on a case-by-case basis.
- Marathon entry fee – this is charged in USD and payable to the delegation leader. For 5km and 10km options this is $70, for half marathon this is $100, for full marathon this is $150.
- Accommodation before and after the trip.
- Transportation for getting to the start and finish of the trip.
A few important points to note:
- South Korean (ROK) passports are not valid for trips to North Korea (DPRK), Malaysian and US passports cannot be used as they are banned for travel to the DPRK by the governments of Malaysia and the US. The Pyongyang Marathon cannot process visa applications for Japanese Passports.
- Epidemic prevention is something taken very seriously in North Korea. Policies on this change over time and with little notice so it may be that Covid-19 tests are required, or that vaccination proof is needed. If anyone taking the trip has been in a M-Pox red zone at any time and there are stamps in the passport to show this then they will not be permitted to enter the country.
- Koryo Tours is not permitted to offer these packages to those travelling for the purposes of media work. No journalists or media organisations can apply to be part of these trips. Media organisations with previous contacts in the DPRK may consider contacting their local partners to ask for their advice.
- These delegation packages are specifically for amateur runners – not elite marathon participants. If you are an elite level professional runner and wish to participate in the Pyongyang International Marathon we can pass on your contact to the Pyongyang Marathon Committee and they may consider inviting you as a guest of their organisation. Every year there are a number of elite foreign participants in the race.
Sign up now to join us for the 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon in April next year. An amazing way to see one of the most mysterious cities in the world, and a race unlike any other.
You can email us with questions on [email protected], sign up to our newsletter for updates and follow along on social media.
See you in North Korea for the 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon!
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 FAQs
1. When is the Pyongyang Marathon 2026?
The Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, 5th April 2026 in Pyongyang, North Korea. This date has been officially confirmed by the race organisers and World Athletics.
2. Who can take part in the Pyongyang Marathon?
The marathon is open to all amateur runners, regardless of experience level. Whether you are a serious athlete or prefer to walk the shorter distance, everyone is welcome. There are no qualification requirements, and anyone joining one of Koryo Tours’ official Pyongyang Marathon trips will automatically be registered to take part.
3. What distances can I run?
Participants can choose from four race distances :
5 km
10 km
21 km (half marathon)
42 km (full marathon)
Each has a strict time limit:
5 km – 2 hours
10 km – 2 hours
21 km – 2.5 hours
42 km – 4.5 hours (but may be reduced to 3.5 hours as in previous years)*
If you do not finish within the limit, you will be collected by a vehicle and not allowed to continue.
*In previous years, the marathon cut-off time has been changed from 4.5 hours to 3.5 hours last minute. Runners should be aware that this may be the case for this year.
4. What is new about the 2026 Pyongyang Marathon route?
From 2026 to 2031, the Pyongyang Marathon will use a new route approved by World Athletics.
The biggest change is that the start and finish will now take place outside Kim Il Sung Stadium, rather than inside as in previous years. Although runners will miss the dramatic stadium finish, the new course still passes major Pyongyang landmarks and will be lined with enthusiastic local crowds.
5. How do I enter the Pyongyang Marathon 2026?
Entry is only possible through Koryo Tours, the official partner of the Pyongyang International Marathon.
Because regular tourism to North Korea has not yet resumed, all participants will travel as part of a running delegation and receive a delegation visa (not a tourist visa).
Simply choose one of Koryo’s official packages, complete the online application form, and the team will handle the race registration and visa process.
6. What are the travel packages for the Pyongyang Marathon 2026?
There are the following delegation packages available:
5-Night Trip from Beijing - Thursday Departure
📅 2–7 April 2026 | ✈ Beijing–Pyongyang–Beijing
💶 €2390 per person
5-Night Trip from Beijing - Saturday Departure
📅 4–9 April 2026 | ✈ Beijing–Pyongyang–Beijing
💶 €2390 per person
📅 3–6 April 2026 | ✈ Beijing–Pyongyang–Beijing
💶 Price €2190 per person
📅 4–8 April 2026 | ✈ Shenyang–Pyongyang–Shenyang
💶 Price €2190 per person
📅 3–6 April 2026 | ✈ Shanghai–Pyongyang–Shanghai
💶 Price €2190 per person
All packages include accommodation, meals, transportation, guided sightseeing, race entry support, and your official Pyongyang Marathon shirt, medal, and certificate.
7. Can I customise my trip or extend it to other parts of North Korea?
For now, only Pyongyang-based itineraries are permitted under delegation travel restrictions.
If tourism resumes more broadly before April 2026, Koryo Tours will offer extended itineraries or the option to modify your booking.
8. What’s included in the trip cost?
- Air Koryo return flights Beijing/Shenyang/Shanghai–Pyongyang
- Hotel accommodation in Pyongyang
- All meals and ground transportation
- Professional local guides and interpreters
- Official race shirt, medal, and finisher’s certificate
- Sightseeing excursions as per itinerary
9. What’s not included?
- DPRK visa fee (approx. 250–1000 RMB, depending on nationality)
- Marathon entry fee: 5 km / 10 km – USD $70, Half marathon – USD $100, Full marathon – USD $150
- Accommodation in Beijing before/after the trip
- Transport to/from Beijing
- Personal expenses and insurance
10. Which nationalities can join?
Most nationalities can apply. However:
- South Korean, Malaysian, and US passport holders cannot travel to North Korea.
- Japanese passport holders are currently not accepted for this event.
- All other nationalities are welcome to apply, and Koryo Tours will confirm eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
11. What health or vaccination requirements are there?
Epidemic prevention remains a priority in North Korea.
Participants may be required to show vaccination proof or recent COVID-19 test results.
Anyone whose passport shows recent travel to an M-Pox red zone may be denied entry.
Koryo Tours will provide updated guidance closer to departure.
12. Can journalists or media workers join?
Unfortunately, media personnel and journalists cannot join these packages.
These trips are exclusively for amateur runners and not open to those travelling for media purposes.
13. What if I am an elite runner?
Elite or professional athletes cannot book through the delegation packages.
If you are a professional runner and wish to compete, Koryo Tours can forward your information to the Pyongyang Marathon Committee, who may consider inviting you directly as a guest participant.
14. How do I get to Pyongyang for the race?
All runners will fly with Air Koryo from China to Pyongyang and return the same route.
You must arrange your own travel to and from Beijing. This is not included in the package.
15. Is it safe to join the Pyongyang Marathon?
Yes. Koryo Tours has over 30 years of experience operating in North Korea and works closely with the organisers to ensure safety and smooth logistics.
You will be accompanied by professional guides throughout the trip.
16. How can I book or get more information?
You can book your place or ask questions by emailing [email protected], or by visiting www.koryogroup.com.
Spaces are limited due to flight and hotel capacity, so early booking is strongly recommended.
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