Tripadvisor
Young Pioneer Tours
Pyongyang Autumn Marathon Ultra Budget Tour With Mass Games
Join us in the DPRK to partake in the Pyongyang Autumn Marathon tour! This event is held annually during Autumn and all foreign tourists are welcomed to compete or spectate from the event.
By making use of travelling from Dandong, which is the Chinese border city to the DPRK and is easily reachable from most of China, this trip is perfect for those just wanting to get in and run the marathon with minimal fuss and is great for those on a budget or for returners who just really want to take part in this unique event.
This incredible tour is a must see, run and do tour, with great opportunities for engagement with locals and an opportunity to be part of something out of this world. Book now with us to secure your position for the marathon and your seat with us! Group bookings and Young Pioneer returners are most welcomed with discounts.
Marathon running fees are listed below and not included in the tour cost.
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Race
|
Cost of Entry
|
|---|---|
| 5KM Marathon (5km/3 miles) | €40 Euros |
| 10KM Marathon (10km/6 miles) | €50 Euros |
| Half Marathon (20km/12 miles) | €65 Euros |
| Full Marathon (42km/26 miles) | €80 Euros |
A race timing chip is included in the price above. The maximum time limit for the full marathon is 5 hours, half marathon is 3 hours and the 10KM and 5KM marathon is 2 hours. All running participants will receive a Pyongyang marathon certificate titled to you! Running isn’t your thing? Spectate the Marathon!
The Mass Games, the world’s largest performance with over 100,000 performers is expected to take place during this tour! Now is your chance to watch this grand spectacular performance. Tickets are on-top of tour cost and is paid in cash during your tour in Pyongyang. We highly recommend securing your spot on tour early as we expect spaces to fill up very quickly.
Ticket costs for Mass Games below:
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Ticket Class
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Original Price (Per Person)
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|---|---|
| 3rd Class | €100 / 800RMB |
| 2nd Class | €300 / 2,300RMB |
| 1st Class | €500 / 3800RMB |
| VIP | €800 / 6000RMB |
Please note: All travellers must have a re-entry visa into China as there isn’t enough time to apply for a Chinese visa in Pyongyang and the 144 hour transfer visa doesn’t permit entry by rail.
Saturday 18th September
Morning
- Meet your YPT guide at 8:00am at the entrance to Dandong Railway Station. During this meeting, we’ll go through the tour’s itinerary, receive DPRK visas and tickets, as well as a great chance to meet your fellow travellers and to discuss any other questions you may have about the DPRK or the marathon.
- We’ll begin departing Dandong and go through Chinese immigration formalities as we exit China.
- Arrive into Sinuiju, the bordertown city of the DPRK. Here we’ll go through DPRK immigration and customs inspection.
- Continue our train journey down to Pyongyang as we enjoy the beautiful countryside along the way.
Afternoon
- Optional lunch on the train (50RMB extra), with 6:45pm arrival in Pyongyang to a warm welcome by your guides.
- Receive a city map from your YPT guide and enjoy evening views of Pyongyang as the bus does a lap of the marathon route to give you a clear understanding of where you will be running.
- Dinner at a local Korean restaurant on Ryomyong Street
Sunday 19th September – Marathon Day!
Morning
- Run or spectate the Pyongyang Autumn Marathon! You can run either the 5KM, 10KM, half, or full marathon.
Afternoon
- Lunch at the Mangyongdae District KITC Restaurant – your chance to try the famous Pyongyang Cold Noodles or the traditional Korean Bibimbap dish along with other popular Korean dishes!
- Head back to the hotel for a shower.
- Enjoy an afternoon city tour where you will visit Kim Il Sung Square, Foreign Language bookstore, Juche Tower (40RMB or 5 Euro extra to go to the top), Party Foundation Monument, and the large bronze statues of the leaders.
- Stop by the Taedonggang Micro Brewery to further wind down and celebrate with multiple delicious draft beers on tap – coffee, soft drinks, and juices are also available.
- Dinner at the National Restaurant with a performance from the waitresses.
- Spectate the Mass Games – The world’s largest performance. Tickets can be purchased with cash only and reserved whilst on tour in North Korea.
- Overnight at Sosan Hotel.
Monday 20th September
Morning
- Slow drive to Pyongyang train station stopping at a few interesting places in the city for some last photos!
- Depart at 10:25 am for Dandong.
Afternoon
- Optional lunch on the train (50RMB extra).
- 5:00pm arrival in Dandong.
- Tour concludes – if you need to make any accommodation or a way out of Dandong please let us know!
Tour Extensions
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
