The marathon was divided into first class (42.195 km), junior class (21.0975 km) and juvenile class (10 km).

It brought together marathoners from 15 countries and regions including the DPRK, China, Russia, Namibia, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Taipei of China and marathon amateurs from Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Australia and other scores of countries and regions.

An opening ceremony was held at the Kim Il Sung Stadium Sunday.

Present there were Kwak Pom Gi, secretary of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea, Ro Tu Chol, vice-premier and chairman of the State Planning Commission, officials concerned, sports persons, working people in the city and foreign guests.

Tong Jong Ho, minister of Construction and Building-Materials Industry who doubles as chairman of the DPRK Marathon Association, in his opening address expressed the belief that the marathoners and amateurs will exchange good experience, deepening the feelings of friendship.

Then there took place a marathon.

More than 1 000 men and women marathoners and amateurs ran the whole distance of the track with strong will and patience.

Working people and school youth and children waved to the marathoners and applauded them in streets.

DPRK runners Pak Chol (man) and Kim Hye Gyong (woman) came first in the first class race, runner of Rwanda Mvuyekure Jean Pierre (man) and DPRK runner Kim Hye Song (woman) second and Ukrainian runner Babaryka Ivan (man) and DPRK runner Kim Mi Gyong (woman) third.

At the closing ceremony, trophy cups, medals and diplomas were awarded to the players who proved successful at the marathon.