A Romanian from Brasov participated in the North Korean marathon »over 50,000 people were waiting for the Phenian stadium
Article by David Marinescu – published Monday, April 07, 2025, 13:08 / Updated Monday, April 7, 2025 13:08
North Korea resumed, after a six -year break, the international marathon in Phenian. 200 foreign athletes participated in the event held on Sunday, and the Romanian Stefan Iulius Gavril ranked 11th
North Korea marathon has attracted participants from several countries, including Romania. The Kcna State News Agency and the Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported the presence of foreign athletes to the competition.
Ștefan Iulius Gavril (35 years old), originally from Brasov, did not miss this competitionwhich marks a new stage in the gradual reopening of the North Korean borders, closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He finished in 11th place, according to the official standings, published on the competition website.
50,000 North Korean spectators on the stadium
According to Freedom, the event was held on a circular route through the center of the capital, passing through important landmarks and rural areas, and ended on the Phenian stadium, where 50,000 North Korean spectators applauded runners, some of them wearing masks.
The Phenian International Marathon is one of the annual events to celebrate Kim Il Sung's birthday, the founder of North Korea and the grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong Un, anniversary of April 15.
Who is Stefan Iulius Gavril
He was born in Brasov and is 35 years old. In 2003, he moved with his family to Turin, where he began to practice martial arts and kickboxing. In 2011, he won the Bestfighter World Cup (Kickboxing), but in the coming years he discovered his passion for athletics.
In 2013, he ran his first race to Turin, and after six months he moved to Sweden, for reasons related to studies and sports. There he started to train successfully within the IFK UMå team.
Since 2016, he has moved to France to run for the Nice Côte D'Azur Athlétisme club, registering notable progression in performances. In December 2019, he set a new national record at 10 km, and in February 2020 he obtained the record at 5 km.
