Runners from various countries participated on Sunday (April 8) in an international marathon hosted by North Korea in Pyongyang.

The North’s state-run television said the 29th Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon was held to mark the birth anniversary of the nation’s founder, Kim Il-

Sung, which falls on April 15.

It said marathon runners from North Korea, China, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and amateurs from various countries competed in a marathon,

half marathon, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre race.

Video aired by the channel showed thousands of spectators gathered in Pyongyang’s Kim Il-Sung Stadium to watch the marathon.

Pyongyang has held an international marathon since 1981, but foreign amateur runners have only been allowed to take part since 2014.