Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


            More Than 1,600 Runners Take Part in Pyongyang Marathon

   by Associated Press

   The unusual sight of hundreds of foreigners pounding the streets of
   Pyongyang greeted the locals on Sunday as North Korea's annual
   international marathon got underway.

   It's the third year running that foreign amateurs have been allowed to
   take part in the event.

   The decision to bring in amateurs has turned a rather low-key race into
   something of a carnival.

   IAAF rating

   But this year the International Association of Athletics Federations
   (IAAF) has not registered the Pyongyang marathon in the same way as in
   the past.

   In previous years, the Pyongyang marathon was an IAAF Bronze Label
   Race.

   This year, it's not. That's because "the organizers didn't wish to
   invite an international elite field this year and therefore the race
   didn't meet the requirements of an IAAF Label Race," IAAF Deputy
   Director of Public Relations Chris Turner said.

   WATCH: Related video of Pyongyang Marathon

   ''

   Of the more than 1,600 runners who took part in this year's Pyongyan
   Marathon, about 700 were professional runners, with the vast majority
   from North Korea, and only a few from abroad, mostly Africa (Ethiopia,
   Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Zambia) and China and
   Taiwan.

   However, the race saw an increase in amateur participation -- nearly
   1,000 foreign amateurs took part, marathon organizers said.

   To runners' surprise, they were permitted to take video cameras with
   them, and many took selfies instead of dashing out after hearing the
   pistol, Reuters news agency reported.

   Tour operators

   Tour operators specializing in travel to North Korea have marketed the
   marathon as a special way to experience the socialist state.

   Tourists in North Korea are normally moved around with guides in cars
   or buses. The marathon allows visitors to stretch their legs and feel
   like they are getting their own look around the city.

   Another change this year was the start and finish point -- Pyongyang's
   gigantic May Day Stadium. Previously, it was run out of the smaller Kim
   Il Sung Stadium.

   While waiting for the first runner to finish, more than 60,000 people
   sitting in the stadium watched two soccer matches.

   North Korea's own Pak Chol won the men's professional full marathon,
   completing the course in 2 hours 14 minutes and 10 seconds.

   His compatriot Kim Ji Hyang won the women's race in 2 hours 28 minutes
   and 5 seconds.

   The first amateur runner to finish the full marathon was Thomas Dover,
   a doctor from Australia, crossing the line in 2 hours 49 minutes and 59
   seconds.

   As well as the full marathon, runners could choose a half marathon or
   10-kilometer course.

   In honor of Kim Il Sung

   The Pyongyang marathon is officially called the "Mangyongdae Prize
   Marathon."

   Mangyongdae is the where North Korea says Kim Il Sung was born.

   Kim Il Sung, the late grandfather of the current leader Kim Jong-un, is
   officially venerated in North Korea as the founder of the nation.

   His birthday is April 15 and the marathon is one of many events staged
   to celebrate the anniversary of his birth.

   Kim Il Sung died in 1994 but still has the title of "Eternal President"
   of North Korea.

   Some material for this report came from Reuters.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/pyongyang-marathon-runners/3278426.ht
   ml

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/pyongyang-marathon-runners/3278426.html