Running News Daily

The 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon, scheduled for April 5, 2026, has been cancelled, according to the race’s international partner.

The announcement came from Koryo Tours, which said it received notice from the North Korea Athletics Association that the event would not take place.

In a brief message attributed to the association’s general secretary, organizers stated that the marathon was being cancelled “due to some reasons.” No further explanation was provided. 

Koryo Tours said it understands the decision is final and that it was made “at a level above the organisers of the event itself.” The company added that it is seeking clarification about the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.

The Pyongyang International Marathon was first established in 1981 to commemorate the birth of Kim Il Sung.

The race had only recently returned to the international calendar after being suspended for five consecutive years during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the event resuming in 2025.

The marathon is notable because it is held in North Korea, one of the most closed countries in the world, making it a rare opportunity for international runners to compete in Pyongyang. 

At this time, no official explanation has been given for the cancellation, and organizers have not announced whether the event will return in 2027.