According to Koryo Tours, a British-owned tour operator based in Beijing, North Korea’s Athletics Association directly informed them that the marathon would no longer go ahead as scheduled. North Korea’s sports agency sent a letter stating the event was being cancelled 'due to some reasons'. Simon Cockerell, the general manager of Koryo Tours, said the world might never know the actual reasons for the race’s cancellation.
Koryo Tours believes that once such decisions are formally communicated they are typically final, and they do not expect any reversal. Simon Cockerell said they do not expect the event to be rescheduled. The specific reasons for the cancellation have not been disclosed.
All 500 available spots sold out in less than five hours after registration for the Pyongyang International Marathon opened in December. Participants were invited to the country to take part in the race and have a trip alongside that, rather than to take a tour and also run, as tourism remains suspended. Simon Cockerell said participants are 'certainly disappointed' as many have waited years for the opportunity.
The race is the largest international sporting event in North Korea, which otherwise tightly restricts access for foreign visitors. The marathon is held every year to celebrate the birth of North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung. There is only one marathon in North Korea, so when it is cancelled there are no alternatives.
Koryo Tours said it would continue to seek clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision. It remains unclear if North Korea will provide any further explanation or compensation to participants and travel agencies.