PHOTOS Pyongyang marathon: hundreds run through hermit city
Runners compete in the Pyongyang International Marathon in Pyongyang on April 8, 2018. Behind them is the Arch of Triumph. / AP
By Park Si-soo
Hundreds of foreign professionals and amateurs competed in the Pyongyang marathon on Sunday, a source of foreign currency for U.N.-sanctioned North Korea.
The annual race was part of celebrations marking North Korean founder Kim Il-sung's birth in 1912.
In previous years, there were about 1,000 participants, but there were only 429 this year due to a U.S. travel ban imposed last year after Otto Warmbier's death.
The race started in Kim Il-sung stadium and passed alongside major landmarks in the city, such as Kim Il-sung Square and the new development project, Mirae Street, according to the BBC.
A foreign competitor takes a photo inside Kim Il Sung stadium before the marathon. / AFP
Competitors cross the start line of the Pyongyang marathon at Kim Il Sung stadium. / AFP
Marathon runners head down Ryomyong Street during the Pyongyang International Marathon. / AP
Pedestrians watch foreign competitors pass a nearby subway station during the annual Pyongyang marathon. / AFP
North Korean Ri Kang-bom won the men's full marathon in 2:12:53.
“I'm glad that I was able to fulfill the expectations of the people,” BBC quoted Ri as saying.
North Korea's Kim Hye-gyong won the women's full course in 2:27:24.
Professional runners, including 13 from African countries, ran in this elite category.
Competitors run through Kim Il Sung Square. / AFP
Women put water bottles on a table as refreshments for the runners. / AFP
North Korean spectators hold out their hands to a foreign runner, with the Ryugyong Hotel in the background. / AFP
A water attendant watches as a competitor takes a cup of water. / AFP
Pedestrians watch two North Korean runners. / AFP
North Korean Ri Kang-bom wins the men's marathon. / AP