N. Korea Bans Foreigners From Marathon

North Korea is prohibiting foreigners from running in its annual Pyongyang marathon over fears of spreading the Ebola virus, travel agencies told the AP on Monday. Though no cases of Ebola have been reported from North Korea or its surrounding region, authorities told Nick Bonner, co-founder of Beijing-based Koryo Tours, that the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon is only open to locals. Bonner said he had signed up more than 400 runners for the event on April 12. Young Pioneer Tours, a travel agency that focuses on North Korea travel, also confirmed the cancellation of trips for the marathon. North Korea suspended visas for nonessential travel for all foreigners regardless of country since the Ebola measures were announced in October.