Chinese runner He Jie, Ethiopian Dejene Hailu Bikila and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat at the finishing line of the half-marathon in Beijing on April 14. - Agencies
ANKARA: Organisers of the Beijing half-marathon are investigating the outcome of the race after controversary erupted over allegations that several foreign athletes let a Chinese competitor win, reported Anadolu Agency.
According to the South China Morning Post, three athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia were accused of slowing down at the end of Sunday's (April 14) race to let Chinese runner He Jie win.
One of the athletes subject to the allegations said he allowed He to win because of their friendship.
"I was the pacemaker, my boss told me to come and pace so He could break the Chinese national record," Willy Mnangat told the daily.
"My agent from Kenya told me, when I was going to get the visa, that I am going to China to help the Chinese break the national record."
The Beijing sports bureau said they are investigating the matter. - Bernama-Anadolu
