The World On arirang

North Korea held its first fall season international marathon this year, in addition to its annual event in April.
Foreigners also took part in the event, where runners pass by Pyongyang's major landmarks, including the Kim Il-sung Stadium.
While the regime aimed to attract a large group of foreign participants, there were only about two dozen foreigners out of the 230 participants.

(ENGLISH)
"It's really nice to run around the streets of Pyongyang. There was a wonderful crowd cheering for you, and that was the best."

This isn't the only international event the North has been hosting amid intensified sanctions.
Earlier this month, it held a furniture expo targeting Russian and Chinese vendors, while a fashion show showcasing Korea's traditional attire, hanbok, and a clothing expo were also held in Pyongyang in September.
The capital's annual International Trade Fair was also bigger than usual this year.

(KOREAN)
"Despite isolation and uncivilized sanctions imposed by the U.S. and others, the 13th Pyongyang International Trade Fair was a success."

Watchers say these international events can be interpreted as the regime's attempt to attract foreign tourists and secure foreign currency while the international community continues to impose tougher sanctions on the country.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.