The world’s most secretive country has only opened the event to foreign entrants for the past two years, with 650 international runners having taken part this year.

For next year’s event, there is also an option to do a half marathon or 10km run. All these take place on April 10 next year with the opening ceremony held in the Kim II Sung Stadium and a finish at the city’s Arch of Triumph.

Entry is only available through a tour group and Intrepid’s package includes a week’s tour of the country afterwards. The package price, departing on April 8, is from £1,695 and includes flights to Beijing.

The transfer from the Chinese capital, also included, is by air, with the return journey to China by overnight train. Highlights include a visit to the demilitarized zone and Mount Myohyang; plus the city of Pyongsong and the surrounding countryside.  

Two local guides and a driver will accompany the group at all times as tourists are not allowed to travel around independently.

Michael Edwards, Intrepid Travel UK managing director, said: “It’s not possible to enter the Pyongyang Marathon without being part of a tour group, so it’s exciting to be able to offer such a rare opportunity to both amateur runners and those who travel around the world clocking up marathons in different countries.

“The marathon takes place early on in the trip, leaving a week to travel around the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and explore this fascinating country.”