Latest news with #PyongyangMarathon
Forbes
24-04-2025
- Forbes
This Traveler Visited Every Country By 25 — Here's What He Learned
Cameron Mofid in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Cameron Mofid wrapped up his life-long mission in North Korea this spring when he crossed the final country off his list — completing a journey that spanned all 195 nations. Originally from San Diego, Mofid is more than just a traveler. He's a social entrepreneur, former international tennis player, MBA valedictorian and TEDx speaker who managed to balance academics, work and global exploration in pursuit of his dream. He visited his last country in the world by participating in the Pyongyang International Marathon in North Korea alongside fellow international travelers — and several close friends who had accompanied him on different legs of the journey around the world. Cameron Mofid (top right) pictured with other travelers at the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea in April 2025. His achievement is recognized by NomadMania, the world's largest and most respected travel verification organization with over 40,000 members. While Mofid didn't qualify for the Guinness World Record due to differing criteria, his journey followed stricter standards — excluding airport transits and brief border entries. Unlike the current record holder, who couldn't visit North Korea due to U.S. travel restrictions, Mofid, a dual national, spent five days in Pyongyang, entering on his other passport rather than just stepping into the DMZ (the demilitarized zone at the border between North and South Korea). Mofid now joins the ranks of roughly 400 verified travelers who have visited every country in the world — a feat rarer than going to space. (Roughly 682 people have done that, by comparison, according to the World Air Sports Federation). Pictured in Bangladesh. How did his journey begin? 'I've always loved geography and learning about different cultures since I was a child,' Mofid says. 'We had a giant map covering the garage wall, and my brother and I would race to point out countries our grandmother called out. I wanted to learn about every place and had memorized every country in the world by age 12.' Pictured in South Sudan. Though an American citizen, Mofid is ethnically Egyptian and Iranian — something he says shaped his global outlook early on. His time competing abroad as a world-ranked player on the International Tennis Federation Junior Tour further sparked his love of travel. After his playing days ended, Mofid then took a gap year before starting university to work at professional tennis tournaments around the world. 'When I got to university, I didn't want to stop.' Pictured in Palau. He began exploring Central America and the Caribbean during long weekends and school holidays, working evenings and co-founding an events marketing company to make money. When the pandemic hit, he seized the opportunity to plan a longer round-the-world journey. By the time he graduated with his MBA in 2022, he had already visited over 100 countries. Anyone who has traveled extensively, especially solo and off-the-beaten-path, learns many lessons that expand their worldview. 'The world is so much more nuanced than we're led to believe,' Mofid says. 'Politicians and the media often frame issues in black and white, but in reality, almost everything falls into a massive gray area. Travel is an incredible avenue to seek truth: to be able to foster a deeper understanding of geopolitics, culture and history.' Pictured in Iraq. We've all heard the adage that history is told by the winning side, and nowhere is this become more apparent than when you travel. 'Every country has a political agenda. But there's two sides to every story, and the truth lies somewhere in between,' he explains. 'Travel is a way to find that truth and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world.' The most growth comes at the edge of our comfort zone, and some of the hardest places Mofid visited were the ones that impacted him the most. 'Iraq was one of the first so-called 'risky' countries I visited, and I was so surprised by how kind and welcoming the people were,' he recalls. 'As an American, I was expecting to be met with resentment because of the U.S. invasion. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. In Baghdad, strangers would offer me tea and food on the street just because they were excited to see a tourist. That trip really opened my eyes to the fundamental kindness of humanity,' says Mofid. 'And honestly, that theme held true across a lot of countries that have seen political or economic instability. The tougher the place, the more generous the people.' Pictured in Burundi. Behind the scenes, this journey required meticulous planning: complex visa requirements, navigating flight routes to remote airports, shifting regulations and language barriers. 'During COVID, it became a full-time job just keeping track of which countries were open and what kind of tests or quarantine rules applied,' he says. Many countries also require local fixers, on-the-ground guides who help navigate logistics, legalities and security in challenging destinations, adding to the cost of a trip. 'You can fly to a country like Italy and wing your trip, but you can't do that in places like the Central African Republic or Niger,' he says. Visiting North Korea proved especially complicated. 'It took me three attempts to get in over the years,' Mofid says. The country is notoriously difficult to enter, with Pyongyang considered the most secretive capital in the world. When Mofid discovered that the city was hosting a marathon that would allow him to enter as part of a sporting delegation, he leapt at the opportunity but stayed cautiously optimistic. More photos from the Pyongyang International Marathon in North Korea. 'Even a few days before my trip, I wasn't sure it was going to happen.' But on April 3, 2025, he joined the first group of Westerners to enter Pyongyang in over five years, following the country's prolonged closure during the pandemic. When you travel off-the-beaten-path, so many diverse scenarios come up, from military coups to natural disasters and political unrest. And that doesn't discount personal challenges, like navigating the loneliness of traveling alone for long periods of time, or setbacks you encounter on the road. Did he ever feel like giving up? 'I got seriously ill in the Algerian desert and had a moment of wondering 'Why am I doing this?' But I reminded myself that if you have a dream, you owe it to yourself to see it through. So I gave it everything I had,' he says. Cameron Mofid with children in Makoko, Nigeria, where he runs a nonprofit called Humanity Effect. For Mofid, the journey became about more than just ticking off countries. His proudest moment came in Nigeria — his 115th country — where he visited Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos where most residents live on stilts and survive on less than $1 a day. 'I'd seen enormous poverty before, but not on that scale,' he says. 'I met kids who were genuinely happy despite having so little. It was humbling.' Mofid launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 for the local school — and a few weeks later, received a surprise $45,000 donation from NBA star Kyrie Irving. 'That was the turning point,' he says. 'I realized I had a responsibility to do something meaningful.' Cameron Mofid at his nonprofit, Humanity Effect. That campaign evolved into Humanity Effect, a nonprofit Mofid founded to support children in the community. In just a few years, it has funded the construction of a second school, is halfway through building a medical center, and now supports more than 750 children in Nigeria. 'When you travel and meet people, hear their stories, and witness their realities, you understand how interconnected everything really is,' Mofid says. 'So much of life comes down to luck — where you're born, your passport, your opportunities. That realization pushes you to help.' His message to others? 'We must look out for one another and be the change we want to see.' To learn more about Cameron Mofid, visit his website, Instagram and his nonprofit, Humanity Effect.
Saudi Gazette
07-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
North Korea holds first international marathon in six years
SEOUL — North Korea has held the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, welcoming some 200 foreign runners to the streets of the reclusive country's capital. The marathon, which was launched in 1981, took place annually in April to celebrate the birth of its founding leader Kim Il Sung. Before Sunday's marathon, the race was last held in 2019, wherein 950 foreigners participated. North Korea sealed itself off the following year, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. North Korea has been slow to reopen since, allowing only Russian tourists into its capital since last year. Runners have had to enter the country as part of an organised tour group, as was the case before the pandemic. Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency listed as an "exclusive partner" on the event website, offers six-day marathon tours at 2,195 euros ($2,406) including flights to and from Beijing. "The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals," the agency wrote on its website. Sunday's marathon route took participants past landmarks across the city, including the Kim Il Sung stadium, the Arch of Triumph built to commemorate Kim Il Sung's role in resisting Japanese rule, and the Mirae Future Scientists' Street said to be a residential district for scientists and engineers. Pictures online show the stadium — where runners start and finish their race — filled with spectators, many of them cheering and waving gold-colored paper flags. Pak Kum Dong, a North Korean runner, told Reuters news agency: "The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired." There is no publicly available information on race results. North Korea had only statred to scale back Covid-19 restrictions in the middle of 2023. In Feburary, it allowed some Western tourists into the remote, eastern city Rason, but suspended those tours just weeks after. — BBC
Al Jazeera
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Jazeera
Photos: Runners compete as Pyongyang Marathon returns from COVID pause
North Korea has held the first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, with hundreds of runners taking to the streets of the capital. Numerous foreign athletes had arrived in the city ahead of the race, held on Sunday as part of celebrations of the birth of the country's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, in 1912. Photos showed foreign runners crossing the starting line at Kim Il Sung Stadium, some taking photos on their phones, as North Korean spectators cheered them on. Another image showed North Korean and foreign runners competing on the streets of Pyongyang, with citizens lining the route. The marathon is the largest international sporting event in the reclusive Asian country, and offers a rare opportunity for visitors to run through the streets of the tightly-controlled capital. Images posted on the Instagram account of Simon Cockerell, the general manager of Koryo Tours which organises trips for foreign amateur runners to participate, showed crowds cheering as the athletes passed. 'A few pics of today's Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea. Amazing event and a race like no other,' Cockerell wrote. The last edition of the marathon was held in 2019. The following year, the nuclear-armed state sealed its borders in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals,' Koryo Tours said on its website. 'An experience truly like no other.' 'North Korea is a complex and fascinating place that intrigues many people,' Cockerell told Australian broadcaster SBS. 'And while it is certainly not for everyone, it definitely appeals to those curious about the experience of visiting such a country and seeing what they can.' The marathon is listed on the website of the global governing body World Athletics. In 2019, about 950 foreigners took part, up from roughly 450 the previous year. About 180 runners from overseas were expected to participate this year.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
North Korea holds first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years
North Korea has staged the Pyongyang International Marathon for the first time in six years, welcoming some 200 foreign runners to pound the streets of the reclusive country's marathon, which was launched in 1981, took place annually in April to celebrate the birth of its founding leader Kim Il Sunday's marathon, the race was last held in 2019, wherein 950 foreigners participated. North Korea sealed itself the following year, when the Covid-19 pandemic Korea has been slow to reopen since, allowing only Russian tourists into its capital since last year. Runners have had to enter the country as part of an organised tour group, as was the case before the Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency listed as an "exclusive partner" on the event website, offers six-day marathon tours at 2,195 euros ($2,406) including flights to and from Beijing. "The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals," the agency wrote on its marathon route took participants past landmarks across the city, including the Kim Il Sung stadium, the Arch of Triumph built to commemorate Kim Il Sung's role in resisting Japanese rule, and the Mirae Future Scientists' Street said to be a residential district for scientists and engineers. Pictures online show the stadium - where runners start and finish their race - filled with spectators, many of them cheering and waving gold-coloured paper Kum Dong, a North Korean runner, told Reuters news agency: "The eyes of our people on me helped me to bear the difficulties whenever I feel tired."There is no publicly available information on race Korea had only statred to scale back Covid-19 restrictions in the middle of 2023. In Feburary, it allowed some Western tourists into the remote, eastern city Rason, but suspended those tours just weeks after.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Foreigners run in relaunched Pyongyang marathon
Pyongyang Marathon is one of several events celebrating the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and Kim Jong-un's grandfather - Kim Won Jin/AFP North Korea held its first Pyongyang Marathon in six years on Sunday, and allowed foreigners to take part. The marathon is one of several events celebrating the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un, on April 15. Advertisement Athletes from China, Ethiopia, Romania and Morocco participated. Photos from Pyongyang show foreign runners starting the race at Kim Il-sung Stadium, some taking pictures, while North Korean spectators cheer. Other photos show local and foreign runners competing further along the route. Around 200 foreign visitors arrived in Pyongyang on Friday and Saturday, with participants conducting practice runs at their hotel accommodation before Sunday's race, reported Simon Cockerell, general manager of Beijing-based Koryo Tours. Koryo Tours, the official partner for the marathon, facilitated the registration process for international competitors. Around 200 foreign visitors arrived in Pyongyang to cheer on the marathon runners - Kim Won Jin/AFP The company described the race as a circuit course running through central Pyongyang, passing major landmarks before extending into rural areas and returning to a stadium filled with 50,000 spectators. Advertisement 'The Pyongyang Marathon is an extremely unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with locals,' the Beijing-based firm said on its website. 'An experience truly like no other.' Mr Cockerell said: 'North Korea is a complex and fascinating place that intrigues many people.' He added: 'And while it is certainly not for everyone, it definitely appeals to those curious about the experience of visiting such a country and seeing what they can.' State television footage showed large crowds of North Koreans on Sunday – some wearing protective masks – greeting the runners upon their arrival at the stadium. Advertisement According to state media, a North Korean runner was the first to cross the finish line. The last Pyongyang Marathon was in 2019 before North Korea closed its borders during the Covid pandemic. Pyongyang's international marathon represents a gradual reopening of North Korea's borders since the Covid pandemic in 2020 - Kim Won Jin/AFP The marathon represents a significant step in North Korea's gradual reopening after sealing its borders completely in early 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. While the country began slowly lifting restrictions in 2023, including allowing Russian tourist groups entry, Pyongyang has remained largely closed to regular tourism. The reopening follows a brief and limited experiment with Western tourism in February, when visitors were permitted to enter the remote eastern city of Rason for the first time in five years. Advertisement However, the plan was abruptly suspended in early March without explanation, with several tour companies announcing cancellations 'until further notice'. Tourists who participated in the February Rason visits reported even tighter controls than before the pandemic, with limited opportunities for independent movement or interaction with local residents. Communications services, including phone signals and internet access, remained unavailable to visitors. Flag raising ceremony at Kim Il-sung Stadium for the Pyongyang Marathon - Kim Won Jin/AFP Before the pandemic, North Korea hosted around 350,000 foreign tourists annually, with Chinese nationals accounting for about 90 per cent of visitors, according to media reports. Advertisement The tourism sector had been a source of foreign currency for North Korea's heavily sanctioned economy. North Korean authorities have not said whether the Sunday marathon represents a broader reopening strategy or only a one-time exception for the prestigious sporting event. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
