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| ▲ This photo from the 2025 Pyongyang International Marathon was published by the Korean Central News Agency on April 7, 2025. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ This photo from the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon on April 8, 2019, was published by the Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korea newspaper based in Japan. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) |
NK marathon-renaming
N. Korea removes founder's birthplace name from annual Pyongyang Int'l Marathon
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea has renamed its annual international marathon in Pyongyang for this year, removing the name of national founder Kim Il-sung's birthplace, a government official said Tuesday.
North Korea's state media reported the Pyongyang International Marathon took place in the capital on Sunday, marking the competition's resumption following a five-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Photos of the two events showed that the 2019 edition was named the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, while the 2025 edition was called the Pyongyang International Marathon.
Mangyongdae is a neighborhood in Pyongyang that North Korea promotes as the birthplace of national founder Kim Il-sung as part of its propaganda.
An official at South Korea's unification ministry confirmed the renaming, adding it appears intended to "dilute the idolization" of the late founder or reduce his influence.
This year, North Korea also omitted its usual expression, the "Day of the Sun," which refers to Kim's birthday on April 15, when reporting on the marathon.
North Korea has recently been seen reorienting its major ceremonies and events away from its two late leaders, including former leader Kim Jong-il, in favor of the incumbent leader Kim Jong-un, apparently in an effort to solidify his standalone public authority.
North Korea launched the annual marathon in 1981 to celebrate the late founder's April birthday.
This year's event brought together runners from 45 foreign countries, according to China-based Koryo Tours, the sole travel agency for the marathon.
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