For the first time in six years, North Korea welcomed international runners back to the streets of its capital on Sunday, reviving the Pyongyang International Marathon after a prolonged pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes from countries including China and Ethiopia took part in the long-distance race, according to North Korean state television. The marathon is one of several commemorative events held in honor of Kim Il Sung’s birthday on April 15—the founder of North Korea and grandfather to current leader Kim Jong Un.

Roughly 200 international participants arrived in Pyongyang over the weekend to prepare for the race, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, in a series of Instagram updates. The Beijing-based travel agency, an official partner of the event, facilitates registration for foreign athletes.

North Korea had shuttered its borders in early 2020 in response to the global outbreak, becoming one of the most closed-off nations during the pandemic. Since 2023, however, the country has cautiously begun relaxing its restrictions. While it has welcomed small groups of Russian tourists, Pyongyang itself remains largely inaccessible to general foreign visitors.

This year’s marathon route followed a familiar path: winding through central Pyongyang past notable city landmarks, then out into the surrounding countryside before looping back into the capital. Runners completed the race in a packed stadium of 50,000 spectators, according to Koryo Tours.

State media showed North Korean citizens—some still wearing masks—cheering in the stands as foreign runners snapped photos of the crowd with their smartphones. A North Korean athlete claimed the top spot, finishing first, according to local broadcasts.