Kenyan runners Willy Mnangat and Robert Keter are under investigation for allowing a Chinese competitor to cross the line before them in the Beijing Half Marathon.
In a bizarre moment at the end of the gruelling race, Keter and Mnangat – along with Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu Bikila – allowed He Jie to win, despite trailing behind the trio.
Mnangat gestured towards Jie to run past him and the other two runners obliged, allowing the Chinese runner to take out the event on home soil.
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According to the Kenyan, he allowed his rival to win because of their friendship.
”He comes to Kenya and I was [pacing for him] in the Wuxi Marathon, so he is my friend,” Mnangant said post-race.
However, an investigation into the incident has since been launched.
“We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing Half Marathon and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities,” World Athletics said in a statement.
“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 finish to the race has sparked plenty of reaction online, with Chinese sports expert Mark Dreyer taking to social media to express his disbelief over the lack of integrity.
“This is extremely odd,” he said via X.
“Three Kenyans in today’s Beijing Half Marathon clearly let China’s He Jie – current Asian Games marathon champion – win the race, all the while coasting themselves, waving him through and congratulating him after the race. Appears to be a tacit agreement?”
Dreyer also claimed there could have been extra pay guaranteed for the Kenyan runners to allow Jie to win the race.
“Very common for African pro runners to compete in top provincial races around China – but highly unusual they would let a Chinese runner win so obviously,” he said on X.
“[The] most obvious explanation here is that race fees for the Africans were guaranteed and/or a bonus was offered for letting the local runner win.”
Jie is the reigning Asian Games marathon champion.
