Intrepid takes guests to North Korea marathon

TD Guest Writer

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International runners have been allowed to compete in the Pyongyang Marathon for the last two years (photo from Intrepid Travel)
International runners have been allowed to compete in the Pyongyang Marathon for the last two years (photo from Intrepid Travel)

Intrepid Travel is now offering adventurous athletes the chance to take part in the annual Pyongyang Marathon.

The adventure travel company has added the North Korean capital to its recently-launched ‘Expedition’ range, allowing visitors to get a rare glimpse into the world’s most secretive country.

The new ‘Pyongyang Marathon Expedition’ will depart in April 2016, enabling travellers to participate in a full 42.2km marathon, the 21.2km half marathon or a 10km run on 10 April 2016. For those travellers who are not so keen on running, Intrepid is also offering tickets to a local football match as an alternative.

The nine-day trip also includes a flight from Beijing to Pyongyang and sightseeing trips around the North Korean capital, the demilitarised zone (DMZ), Mount Myohyang and the city of Pyongsong. An overnight train ride will take travellers back to Beijing where the trip ends.

“It’s not possible to enter the Pyongyang Marathon without being part of a tour group, so it’s exciting to be able to offer such a rare opportunity to both amateur runners and those who travel around the world clocking up marathons in different countries,” said Michael Edwards, Intrepid Travel’s managing director for the UK.

“The marathon takes place early on in the trip, leaving a week to travel around the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and explore this fascinating country.”

The Pyongyang Marathon is an annual event that was first held in 1981, but international runners have only been allowed to participate over the last two years. The race starts at Kim Il Sung Stadium and takes runners around Pyongyang before finishing at Pyongyang’s Arch of Triumph.

Intrepid’s Expedition range is designed for small groups seeking “off-map” adventures.

“North Korea continues to fulfil the promise of our Expedition trips – it’s not an easily accessible destination and it leaves much to be discovered. We’re thrilled at the initial response to our Expeditions and will continue to launch more throughout 2016,” said Edwards.

Klook.com

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