North Korea allowed dozens of Russian athletes who signed up for the country’s international marathon to go for runs in central Pyongyang this month, despite abruptly cancelling the annual event.

The exclusive tour once again highlighted the special treatment the DPRK currently gives to Russian tourists as it snubs travelers from other countries.

Korea Konsult, a Swedish tour company specializing in trips to North Korea, told NK News on Saturday that 50 Russian passport holders took part in the sports tour despite the DPRK’s sudden cancellation of the Pyongyang International Marathon.

A company representative said about 40% of the original