Foreign runners banned from North Korea marathon due to Ebola worries

A colorized, magnified electron microscope image of the Ebola virus grows out of an infected VERO 46 cell. Image by NIAID

Last year was the first time North Korea allowed foreign runners to participate in the country’s Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon. But this year, due to Ebola concerns, the country has banned outsiders from participating in the race.

According to CNN, North Korea has imposed border controls for other diseases, including SARS in 2003. In October, nonessential travel visas were halted because of Ebola fears, and those allowed in the country were subject to a 21-day quarantine under medical observation. Bans were expected to lift in time for the April race, but Beijing-based travel agency Koryo Group announced today that neither professional nor amateur foreign runners would not be allowed to partake in the race.

Last year, about 30 foreigners ran in the full marathon in the capital city of Pyongyang, although more competed in the half marathon and 10-kilometer races. Nick Bonner, the founder of Koryo Group, told the AP that more than 400 foreign runners were planning on competing in the race through his agency alone. Now, travel agencies are tasked with cancelling and rearranging travel plans. It is possible the travel ban will be lifted by March, but Bonner said the short time span would likely prevent runners from being able to compete.

While the Ebola virus has not been reported in North Korea, according to the AP, “North Korean media have suggested Ebola was created by the U.S. military as a biological weapon.”

The Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, and is one of a number of events that take place every year in April to celebrate the birthday of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.

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