Hundreds of foreigners in North Korea marathon

Hundreds of foreigners joined in the annual Pyongyang marathon yesterday, despite recent political tensions and a ban on US citizens travelling to the country. About 400 foreign amateurs took part this year, less than half the number from last year. They came from 43 countries and territories around the world. Disabled people were allowed to join in for the first time. One wheelchair runner from Singapore and a blind North Korean athlete took part in the race.

It started in Kim Il Sung Stadium and wound past Pyongyang landmarks such as Kim Il Sung Square and Mirae Street, one of the North Korean capital’s recent redevelopment projects.

Thirteen foreign professional runners from African countries participated in the elite category.