Watch: Half marathon investigated as three runners appear to hand ‘embarrassing’ victory to rival

He Jie, China’s men’s marathon record holder, was waved into the lead for home straight in Beijing by three men who had been ahead of him

The Beijing half marathon is being investigated after allegations that three African runners deliberately slowed down near the finish line to allow China’s He Jie to win.
He, who finished in a time of 1hr 3min 44sec, was one second ahead of Ethiopian Dejene Hailu Bikila and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, who were all tied for second place after not appearing to contest an expected final race for the line.
Footage showed two of the African runners waving He forward and gesturing towards the finish line after the four athletes had run together for the entire 13.1 mile race.
He, who also looked in significantly more discomfort as he crossed the finish line, is a member of China’s marathon team and the national marathon record holder.
The event’s organiser – the Beijing Sports Competition Management and International Exchange Centre – has referred an inquiry to the half marathon’s organising committee.
The Beijing Sports Bureau, the municipal body in charge of sports, said an investigation was under way and that the findings would be announced once available.
The state-controlled Global Times newspaper said that He’s performance had drawn “scepticism as the three African runners seem to deliberately slow down for He to catch up”.
Footage was published on social media and attracting scathing comments, with one user describing He’s victory as “embarrassing”.
Xstep, a Chinese sports brand who sponsored the event and have a contract with He, told Chinese state-owned The Paper: “The situation is still being confirmed and verified by multiple parties. Further information will be communicated as soon as possible.”
A World Athletics statement said: “We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities.
“The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment.”
The African nations of Kenya and Ethiopia dominant endurance running, especially in the road marathon and half marathon events.