A Romanian from Brasov ranked 11th at the North Korea marathon, ended on the Phenian stadium. The marathon in the communist country has attracted participants from several countries, including Romania, informs Reuters. Also, the Kcna State News Agency wrote about the presence of foreign athletes at the competition.
50,000 people were waiting for the runners in the stands
North Korea resumed, after a six -year break, the international marathon in Phenian. 200 foreign athletes participated in the event held on Sunday, and the Romanian Stefan Iulius Gavril ranked 11th.
Ștefan Iulius Gavril (35 years old), born in Brasov, but established abroad, started at the marker marking the reopening of the North Korean borders, closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sporting event was held on a circular route through the center of the capital, passing through important landmarks and rural areas, and ended on the Phenian stadium, where 50,000 North Korean spectators applauded runners, some of them wearing masks.
The Phenian International Marathon is one of the events organized annually to celebrate Kim Il Sung’s birthday, the grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong Un, celebrated on April 15.
