Organisers of the Beijing half marathon are currently probing allegations that three African athletes intentionally allowed China’s prominent runner, He Jie, to win Sunday’s race.

Video footage surfaced suggesting that Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, along with Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu, pointed towards the finish line, slowed down, and waved He past them. Consequently, He, 25, clinched victory by a mere one-second margin ahead of the trio, who ultimately tied for second place.

The outcome sparked criticism from some Chinese social media users, prompting the Beijing Sports Bureau to launch an investigation. A spokesperson stated to AFP that they are looking into the incident and will disclose the findings to the public once concluded.

He Jie, who triumphed in the 2023 Asian Games with a time of one hour, three minutes, and 44 seconds, is sponsored by Xstep, a Chinese sports brand. Xstep, in partnership with He, is currently in the process of confirming and verifying the situation.

He, a 25-year-old marathon gold medalist from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, holds his country’s record in the event. However, none of the implicated runners have issued statements regarding the incident.

Chinese social media platform Weibo has been abuzz with discussions about the race, with one comment deeming it “the most embarrassing title of He Jie’s career” garnering over 1,000 likes. Another post lamented the situation, stating, “With such a reputable organiser and prestigious event, this incident truly tarnishes the spirit of sportsmanship.”