\n\nNorth Korea has abruptly cancelled the Pyongyang Marathon, a major international sporting event usually held in the capital, without providing a clear reason for the decision. The announcement was made by Koryo Tours, a travel agency closely involved in organising foreign participation in the race, which said the event would no longer take place this year. 
The marathon had been scheduled to attract hundreds of international runners alongside thousands of local participants in Pyongyang, and it is traditionally organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-sung. The event has also served as one of the few opportunities for foreign tourists to visit the country and interact with locals during a large public gathering. 
Officials did not give a detailed explanation for the cancellation, though observers believe the decision could be linked to logistical concerns or internal planning changes. The sudden move has disappointed international runners and travel groups who had already begun preparations to attend the rare sporting event in the isolated country.
