I replied to them that my good health was attributable to the advantageous socialist healthcare system, said Jong Myong Nyo (65), who took part in the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon in April.

Jong works as a merited barber at the Undok Health Complex in Haeju City of the DPRK.

She told KCNA:

I go running in every morning along the River Kwangsok in the city. I enjoyed playing basketball and other sports games from my early years.

Some years ago, I met a fellow villager who told that he was joining the marathon race though he was over 70. So, I began training for marathon race, prompted by desire to take part in the race.

I have attended the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon for eight consecutive years. After all, I became a well-known old woman marathoner.