Beijing half marathon top three stripped of medals: organizers

"Today the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon Organizing Committee issued a decision on the investigation and handling of the men's race results," a state media report said Friday.

It added: "The trophies, medals and bonuses will be recovered."

The race's bizarre finish saw He cross the line first after two runners from Kenya and one from Ethiopia seemed to deliberately allow him to win.

He, the 2023 Asian Games marathon gold medalist, won by one second after his supposed rivals appeared to slow down towards the finish and waved him out in front.

All four were "punished" and their results canceled, China's state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The Chinese Athletics Association said earlier this week they had met, issuing a statement vowing to make improvements to the sport in the country.