The contestants compete with the return of the Pyongyang Marathon from Covid Stepres | Exhibition news

North Korea held the first international marathon race for Pyongyang in six years, as hundreds of contestants arrived in the streets of the capital.

Many foreign athletes arrived in the city before the race, which was held on Sunday as part of the birth celebrations of the founding leader of the country, Kim Il Song, in 1912.

The photos showed foreign contestants crossing the starting line at Kim El Song Stadium, some of whom take pictures of their phones, where the spectators chanted in North Korea.

Another picture showed the contestants in North Korea and the competing foreigners in the streets of Pyongyang, with citizens lining up on the road.

Marathon is the largest international sporting event in the isolated Asian country, and provides a rare opportunity for visitors to run in the streets of the capital, which is tightly controlled.

The photos posted on the Instagram account of Simon Cockerll, General Manager of Koryo Tours, which organizes foreign amateur trips to participate, showed crowds chanting with the passage of athletes.

“Some pictures of Pyongyang Marathon today in North Korea. A stunning event and unparalleled race,” Kokrill wrote.

The last edition of the marathon race was held in 2019. The following year, the nuclear armed state concluded its borders in an attempt to contain the Covid-19.

“The Pyongyang Marathon is a unique experience as it provides an opportunity to interact with the local population,” said Corio Tours on its website. “A truly unparalleled experience.”

“North Korea is a complex and wonderful place that arouses the interest of many people,” Cukrill told Australian broadcaster SBS.

“Although it is not certain for everyone, it is certain that he appeals to those curious about the experience of visiting such a country and seeing what they can.”

A marathon was listed on the World Athletics Authority website.

In 2019, about 950 foreigners participated, up from approximately 450 in the previous year. About 180 contestants from abroad were expected to participate this year.