For the first time amateur runners will be allowed to compete in the Pyongyang marathon, North Korea tour group Koryo Tours has announced.

The marathon will take place as part of the annual Mangyongdae Cup sports festival, which marks the birthday of “eternal president” Kim Il Sung on April 15 each year.

Previously only exceptional foreign runners could take part due to a set minimum completion time of 2 hours and 40 minute – a time that contrasts strongly with the average international marathon completion time for men of 4 hours 32 minutes.

This year the marathon, which is recognized by the International