American Travel Influencer Runs Marathon in North Korea, Calls It the 'Single Craziest Experience of My Life' (Exclusive)

Travel influencer Alex Page, a 23-year-old with dual Mexican-American citizenship, successfully ran a marathon in North Korea in July 2025, an experience he describes as the "single craziest experience of my life." He learned about the marathon through an extreme travel group and, after ensuring feasibility and securing a Chinese visa for transit, he worked with a travel company to gain entry and participate. The marathon began in a stadium filled with enthusiastic spectators and North Korean professional runners. While the professional runners quickly pulled ahead, Page found the massive crowds of North Koreans lining the course to be an overwhelming and surreal part of the race. He noted that it was rare for foreigners, especially children, to see outsiders due to the country's isolation, and the spectators were visibly excited and friendly. Page, the only American among the 26 foreign participants, finished the marathon in 3 hours and 51 minutes. His visit to North Korea lasted six days, which included the marathon and four days of guided exploration in Pyongyang. He found Pyongyang to be a pleasa... download the app to read more