North Korea held its first Pyongyang Marathon in six years on Sunday, and allowed foreigners to take part.

The marathon is one of several events celebrating the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un, on April 15.

Athletes from China, Ethiopia, Romania and Morocco participated. Photos from Pyongyang show foreign runners starting the race at Kim Il-sung Stadium, some taking pictures, while North Korean spectators cheer. Other photos show local and foreign runners competing further along the route.

Around 200 foreign visitors arrived in Pyongyang on Friday and Saturday, with participants conducting practice runs at their hotel accommodation before Sunday’s race, reported Simon Cockerell, general manager of Beijing-based Koryo Tours.

Koryo Tours, the official partner for the marathon, facilitated the registration process for international competitors.