North Korea's state media reported hundreds of foreign runners took part in an international marathon in Pyongyang on 12 April.

North Korea reopened an international marathon to overseas athletes after ending a ban on most foreigners entering the country because of fears over the deadly Ebola virus.

The country closed its borders to foreign tourists in October 2014 for fear the virus might spread, and imposed a strict 21-day quarantine on foreign aid workers and diplomats, who were told to stay in embassy compounds. The travel ban was lifted for most visitors in March 2015.

Footage that was filmed by KCNA, showed runners starting the race at Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung stadium, which was filled with thousands of cheering spectators.

KCNA said foreign marathon runners came from many countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom and Italy. The race was divided into marathon, half-marathon and 10km events.

Pyongyang has held an international marathon most years since 1981. Foreign amateurs were allowed to compete for the first time in 2014.

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