North Korea hosts international marathon despite nuclear threats

Athletes from 16 nations, including the U.S., China, Russia and Japan, took to the streets of Pyongyang Sunday and competed in an annual marathon race to celebrate North Korea's most important holiday of the year — the birthday of national founder Kim II Sung.

Despite the threats of thermonuclear war and Kim Jong Un threatening to blow up the world, the race went on.  At least for one day, the world could rest assured that the little dictator wouldn't press the big red button.

Pyongyang crowds lined the streets to watch the world-class runners from around the world compete in the 26th Mangyongdae Prize Marathon in the morning and then they filled a performance hall for a gala concert featuring ethnic Korean performers as part of a group of events culminating in Kim's birthday — known as the "Day of  the Sun."

Kim's mixed message of demolishing the world and international camaraderie is sure to help his twisted image.

To no one's surprise, Kim was announced as the winner of the 26.2 mile race.  His dead father was runner up.