Overview
- The April 5 race was scrapped per a message from the DPR Korea Athletics Association that cited only “due to some reasons.”
- Beijing-based partner Koryo Tours informed runners and said it does not expect a reversal or any rescheduling this year.
- Entrants are being offered full refunds or the option to keep payments as deposits for next year’s race or a future North Korea tour.
- Registration for about 500 foreign places sold out in December, reflecting the event’s value as a rare tourism and foreign-currency earner.
- The marathon had returned in 2025 after a pandemic pause, and analysts now speculate the new cancellation reflects security concerns and regional diplomatic timing, though no official motive has been given.