Beijing half marathon probes 'embarrassing' win by Chinese runner

BEIJING: Organisers of the Beijing half marathon said on Monday (Apr 15) they were investigating after footage shared widely online appeared to show three African runners deliberately allowing China's He Jie to win.

Video clips of Sunday's race showed the Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, Dejene Hailu of Ethiopia and home runner He approaching the finish.

The three African runners can be seen pointing to the finish line and apparently waving He out in front, while appearing to slow down.

He, the 2023 Asian Games marathon gold medallist, won by one second.

The four had stuck together throughout the course of just over 21km, a broadcaster noted.

"We are investigating and will announce the results to the public once they are available," a person from the Beijing Sports Bureau, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP.

The event's organiser - the Beijing Sports Competition Management and International Exchange Center - also said an investigation had been launched.

The incident received significant attention on Chinese social media site Weibo, with some users criticising what they saw as an "embarrassing" result.

"This will certainly be the most embarrassing championship in He Jie's career," one wrote.

"With such a major organiser and such a well-known event, this really pushes sportsmanship to the ground in shame," the post added.

Track and field's international governing body said it was "aware" of the footage online and the investigation into it.

"The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment," Director of Communications Jamie Fox told AFP.

Long-distance running has boomed in recent years among China's middle class, but there