The booming popularity of road running in China has “exposed problems”, the country’s top athletics body says, after a half marathon went viral because of its bizarre finish.
Organisers launched an investigation after two runners from Kenya and one from Ethiopia appeared to deliberately allow China’s He Jie to win Sunday’s Beijing half marathon.
He, the 2023 Asian Games marathon gold medallist, won by one second after his supposed rivals appeared to slow down towards the finish and waved him out in front.
Kenya’s Willy Mnangat told the BBC that the African trio were pacemakers, although their bibs did not say that.
Long-distance and road running have surged in popularity among the middle class in China, but the Chinese Athletics Association said that had presented problems.
The association met on Tuesday and afterwards issued a statement vowing to make improvements — without mentioning Sunday’s race.
“Since the spring of 2024 road-running events have been held across the country and people are enthusiastic about participating,” the association said.
“Overall, the events have been running smoothly.
“But they have also exposed problems in event organisation and management which have aroused widespread social concern.”
It added: “The meeting pointed out that the Chinese Athletics Association will further strengthen guidance and supervision of road-running events.”
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 days agoSaudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco and world football governing body FIFA on Thursday...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 month agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP