The winner of Beijing’s half marathon He Jie and three African runners have had their results cancelled after an investigation found that the three slowed down near the line allowing the Chinese athlete to finish first, organisers said today.
He had won the race held last Sunday in China’s capital in a time of 1:03:44, a second ahead of Ethiopian Dejene Hailu Bikila, and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, who tied for second place.
The organising committee said in a statement that the three African runners “actively slowed down in the last 2 kilometres and as a result He Jie won the men’s championship.”
All trophies, medals and bonuses will be withdrawn and the athletes will be reported to the Chinese Athletics Association, it said.
Race operator, the Zhongao Lupao Beijing Sports Management company, will also be disqualified from hosting and operating the Beijing half marathon, the committee added.
Mnangat told the BBC that the trio ran as pacemakers and were not competing.
However, the committee said pacers would not have been allowed to participate as specially invited athletes without organisers’ approval.
The Zhongao Lupao Beijing Sports Management company said its partner Xiamen Xtep Investment, a unit of Hong Kong listed Xtep, failed to note the relevant pacer information, which led to the organising committee not being informed.
“Our company has unshirkable responsibility and would like to experience our sincere apologies to all runners.” He has been sponsored by Xtep since 2021 according to its website.
Xtep said staff had made a mistake during the registration process and did not identify the pacers.
“We bear a great responsibility and fully accept the punishment decision made by the organising committee,” Xtep said in a statement.
He was slightly behind the three African runners as they approached the end of the race but they slowed down and waved the Chinese athlete ahead as they gestured towards the finish line. The four had run together throughout the race of just over 13 miles.
The finish drew widespread scepticism with some social media users commentating that the result was “embarrassing” for He, a member of China’s marathon team and national record holder.
Long distance running races are increasingly popular in China but have a chequered history of cheating and poor organisation.
In Shenzhen’s 2018 half marathon 258 participants were caught cheating, most of whom had taken shortcuts while some wore fake bibs and others were impostors.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?