Nine residents of three prefectures hardest hit by the March disaster will be invited to take part in an international marathon in Mongolia on July 24, the organizing group said.

Sponsors of the Mongol International Marathon, including a tourist industry association, say they want to hearten survivors by inviting the runners from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.

Masako Chiba, the bronze medalist in women's marathon at the 2003 Athletics World Championships in Paris, will also join the race.