In April 2016, I spent three days in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known in the west as North Korea. Here’s part 4 (final) of my experience.
Something interesting about tour groups to North Korea - they always have two “guides” (one is an interpreter; the other is from the government) with foreigners at all times. There’s even distrust among the guides, as one is always watching the other, ready to report any suspicious behavior.
Our guides, Mrs. Kim (who was Dennis Rodman’s personal guide) and Mr. Lee were actually very friendly and good to us. We took plenty of pictures and shared some laughs (and even a North Korean beer!)
Race morning came quickly. We would start and finish in the largest stadium in the WORLD (capacity 150,000.) Four loops around the city, totaling 42K (26.2 miles.) I was ready.
The professional runners marched in by country (Olympic Opening Games style), and us 800 amateurs from around the world followed closely behind. The gun went off and we all charged out to the streets of Pyongyang.
The North Korean spectators, including countless enthusiastic children, were incredible. I have never hi-fived so many people in my life. Kids shouted “Hello!” (English language is compulsory in school) as the Western-looking runners passed by. It was strange to think that while these families were encouraging me, their government was probably plotting against my country.
The official time limit was 4 hours, and even though I finished in 4:13, they kept the course open for me. I could feel the change of diet and the new climate affect my energy level, and I hit “the wall” around mile 19.
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For most people in the world, simply hearing the name “North Korea” conjures up images of goose-stepping soldiers, rockets, and the threat of nuclear war.
My lasting image of North Korea, however, is of the families who cheered me to the finish line that spring day in 2016.
My key takeaways from this trip:
- North Korea is a country of 25 million people. Just because there are a few radical people running the government, it doesn’t mean they’re all evil.
- Just like us, people in the DPRK wake up each morning pursuing their own happiness. Hoping to give their kids a better childhood than the one they had.
- Newspapers, movies and TV will often paint a compelling picture of what’s real. Seeing for yourself, however, can challenge these realities and encourage you to take a deeper dive for the truth.
