Voice of America (VOA) reported Friday that North Korea is expected to lift its ban on foreign tourists entering the country in time with its annual marathon in Pyongyang celebrating the birthday of the North’s founder in April.
 
The VOA cited a media release by Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based, British-run travel agency specializing in North Korean travel. The media release quoted remarks by a North Korean sports ministry official saying that foreign tourists will be allowed to take part in the 2015 Pyongyang Marathon slated to be held on April 12.
 
The marathon's official North Korean title is the "Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon." It began in 1981 to mark the 69th birthday of late North Korean founder Kim Il-sung.
 
North Korea banned the entry of all foreign travelers in October as a precaution against the Ebola outbreak.