International participants in Sunday's scheduled marathon in Pyongyang have taken a flight from China to North Korea.



The Pyongyang International Marathon is one of a series of events celebrating the April 15 birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's founder and grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong Un.



North Korea's Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports says the first marathon since 2019 will take place on April 6.



The runners checked in for their direct flight to Pyongyang at Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday.



A travel agency in China says it has received applications for the marathon from runners from more than 40 countries and regions.



North Korea imposed severe restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But it recently started relaxing the controls, including allowing the entry of approved foreign tourists.



Observers say it remains unclear whether Sunday's marathon will lead to a further reopening of the country.