--- title: North Korea Marathon: Foreigners Banned From Travel description: North Korea has banned foreigners from participating in the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon citing concerns over Ebola. canonical: https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/ author: Justin Worland article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-02-23T12:35:58.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-01T09:03:23.581Z article:section: World og:title: North Korea Said to Ban Foreigners From Marathon og:description: Regime reportedly cites Ebola as a concern og:url: https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1b236e9e0c7b3568/6987808706f2c121da3341dc/north-korea-marathon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 2560 og:image:height: 1440 og:image:alt: North Korea Marathon og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: North Korea Said to Ban Foreigners From Marathon twitter:description: Regime reportedly cites Ebola as a concern twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1b236e9e0c7b3568/6987808706f2c121da3341dc/north-korea-marathon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 video:duration: 01:17 video:published: 2015-02-23 section: world topics: North Korea, Pyongyang Marathon, Ebola precautions, foreign travel restrictions, border closures, tourism, public health, quarantine genre: news report tones: informative, measured, critical, matter-of-fact emotions: concern (medium), curiosity (low), skepticism (low) sentiment: neutral audience: travel enthusiasts, runners, general news readers, health-conscious readers organizations: North Korean government, Fox News content_suitability: health controversy [00:19-01:03]; death [00:50-00:52] transcript_source: publisher captions transcript_reviewed: not applicable ---  # North Korea Said to Ban Foreigners From Marathon > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. 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Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=7e7cdf11-bf13-4644-9aa1-605ba24036c1&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) ## Video: Ebola Fears Prompt North Korea Marathon Ban [Watch (HLS stream): Ebola Fears Prompt North Korea Marathon Ban](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/BtfrIGez.m3u8) (1:17)  _Published 2015-02-23. According to a travel group that organizes tours to the country, North Korea’s government has banned all amateur and professional foreign runners from participating in the Pyongyang Marathon due to Ebola concerns._ Description, summary, key points, chapters, key quotes, questions and transcript, where present, were produced automatically from the video or its captions and were not reviewed. ## Summary The video reports that North Korea has reportedly banned foreign runners from the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon, citing Ebola concerns, according to a travel group that organizes tours to the country. It notes the tour group was told the border situation is unclear and that March tours should not be cancelled. The report places the ban against the backdrop of North Korea's earlier 21-day quarantine for foreigners and the absence of Ebola cases near the country. ## Key points - A travel group that organizes tours to North Korea says foreign amateur and professional runners are banned from the Pyongyang Marathon. (00:01) - The stated reason for the ban is ongoing precautions related to fears over the Ebola virus. (00:19) - The marathon was scheduled for April 12th this year and was first opened to foreigners in 2014, when about 200 foreign runners participated. (00:35) - The North Korean government has not offered a specific explanation for its Ebola concerns. (00:44) - The Ebola virus has killed around 9,000 people globally since 2014. (00:50) - In October 2014 North Korea announced all foreigners would face a 21-day quarantine upon entering the country to screen for the virus. (00:57) - The video notes there were no Ebola cases anywhere near North Korea. (01:03) - The travel group was told not to cancel its March tours and to expect an update on the border situation at the end of February. (01:09) ## Chapters - [00:00 to 00:19] Marathon ban announced over Ebola concerns. A travel group reports that foreign runners are barred from the Pyongyang Marathon, citing Ebola precautions. - [00:19 to 00:57] Marathon background and North Korea's stance. The video gives details on the marathon's history and April date and notes the government has not explained its concerns. - [00:57 to 01:17] Quarantine rules and tour guidance. The video recounts the earlier 21-day quarantine rule and the tour group's instructions regarding March tours and a border update. ## Key quotes - [00:23] The company: "we were told that his is due to the ongoing precautions that the country has put in place in relation to fears held there over the Ebola virus." - [00:44] interviewer: "The North Korean government hasn't offered any specific explanation for its apparent Ebola concerns" - [01:03] interviewer: "no cases of Ebola anywhere near the hermit nation." ## Questions this video answers - Are foreign runners allowed to take part in the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon? [00:01] - Why has North Korea reportedly banned foreign runners from the marathon? [00:19] - When was the Pyongyang Marathon first opened to foreigners, and how many foreign runners took part? [00:35] - Has North Korea previously imposed Ebola-related restrictions on foreigners? [00:57] - When will North Korea's border situation be clarified for tour groups? [01:09] ## Content suitability - health controversy [00:19-01:03]: Discusses Ebola-related restrictions and fears, with no confirmed cases near North Korea. - death [00:50-00:52]: Mentions the Ebola virus has killed around 9,000 people globally.  by [Justin Worland](https://time.com/author/justin-worland/)  ## Justin Worland Senior Correspondent Feb 23, 2015 12:35 PM UTC According to a travel group that organizes tours to the country, North Korea’s government has banned all amateur and professional foreign runners from participating in the Pyongyang Marathon due to Ebola concerns.  by [Justin Worland](https://time.com/author/justin-worland/)  ## Justin Worland Senior Correspondent Feb 23, 2015 12:35 PM UTC North Korea has banned foreigners from participating in the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon, citing concerns over Ebola, a company that facilitates foreign travel to the isolated country said Monday. “We are sorry to announce that our North Korean partners contacted us this morning with news that the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon has — as of today — been closed to amateur and professional foreign runners,” Koryo Tours said in a statement on its website. > [](https://twitter.com/KoryoTours/status/569692296704233472) The marathon, scheduled this year for April 12, typically draws a large foreign contingent. Koryo Tours alone had planned to take 500 people to the country for the event, according to [Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-northkorea-marathon-idUSKBN0LR06H20150223). The company said it planned for March tours to proceed as previously scheduled. North Korean authorities also reportedly cancelled the annual Mass Games—a gymnastics festival that typically drew a foreign crowd—without providing an explanation. The North Korean government offered no apparent explanation for its Ebola concerns. The disease has killed thousands of people around the world, but none of the deaths have been in Asia. The country’s government has claimed through state television that Ebola was created by the U.S. government. ### See Inside North Korea's Mangyongdae Marathon  Runners take off from the starting line inside Kim Il Sung Stadium at the beginning of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, North Korea on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  North Korean spectators watch from the roadside in central Pyongyang as runners pass by during the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  The lead pack of runners are cheered on by North Korean spectators on the roadside in central Pyongyang during the running of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  Runners pass under a pedestrian bridge in central Pyongyang during the running of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  North Korean spectators watch and cheer from the stands of Kim Il Sung Stadium as runners arrive at the finish of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  North Korean twin sisters Kim Hye Gyong (135) and Kim Hye Song (136) take a victory lap together inside Kim Il Sung Stadium after placing first and second respectively in the the women's Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  North Korean race officials stand at the finish line inside Kim Il Sung Stadium during the running of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang on April 13, 2014. David Guttenfelder—AP  Tourists who competed in the shorter distance segments of the marathon, rest at the end of the race on April 13, 2014\. From left are Harriet Harrper-Jones, England, and Allie Wu, Taiwan. The sign behind them reads "Long Live the Shining Revolutionary Tradition of Our Party." David Guttenfelder—AP ## Transcript [00:01] North Korea isn't exactly known for its hospitality towards [00:05] foreign visitors and for one upcoming event, it's apparently [00:08] banning them entirely. That event would be the 2015 [00:11] Pyongyang marathon. According to a travel group that [00:14] organizes tours to the country, North Korea's government [00:16] has banned all amateur and professional foreign runners [00:19] from participating in the event. Their reason, Ebola [00:23] concerns. The company wrote in its website, we were told [00:26] that his is due to the ongoing precautions that the country [00:29] has put in place in relation to fears held there over the [00:31] Ebola virus. It is still unclear when the borders will be [00:35] reopened. The marathon, which is scheduled for April 12th [00:38] this year, was first opened to foreigners in 2014. About 200 [00:42] foreign runners participated at the time. The North Korean [00:44] government hasn't offered any specific explanation for its [00:47] apparent Ebola concerns but has taken strong precautions [00:50] against the virus before, a virus which has killed around [00:52] 9, 000 people globally since 2014. In October of 2014 [00:57] the country announced all foreigners would be subject to a [01:00] 21- day quarantine upon entering the country to screen for [01:03] the virus. That despite, as this Fox news map shows, no [01:06] cases of Ebola anywhere near the hermit nation. The travel [01:09] group that released the statement also said it was told not [01:11] to cancel its March tours and to expect an update on the [01:14] border situation at the end of February. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/"},"headline":"North Korea Said to Ban Foreigners From Marathon","datePublished":"2015-02-23T12:35:58.000Z","dateModified":"2026-10-01T09:03:23.581Z","description":"Regime reportedly cites Ebola as a concern","url":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/","keywords":["North Korea","Travel","ebola"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1b236e9e0c7b3568/6987808706f2c121da3341dc/north-korea-marathon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Justin Worland","jobTitle":"Senior Correspondent","url":"https://time.com/author/justin-worland/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1b236e9e0c7b3568/6987808706f2c121da3341dc/north-korea-marathon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"North Korea Marathon","caption":"Runners pass under a pedestrian bridge in central Pyongyang during the running of the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in Pyongyang, North Korea in April 2014.","creditText":"David Guttenfelder&—AP","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/","name":"North Korea Said to Ban Foreigners From Marathon"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Ebola Fears Prompt North Korea Marathon Ban","description":"According to a travel group that organizes tours to the country, North Korea’s government has banned all amateur and professional foreign runners from participating in the Pyongyang Marathon due to Ebola concerns.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/BtfrIGez/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-02-23T17:49:18.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/BtfrIGez.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/","duration":"PT1M17S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/3718489/north-korea-marathon-foreigners-ban/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```