"Controversy at Beijing Half Marathon: Winner Disqualified and Rivals Under Investigation"
Organisers revoked He Jie’s first place in the Beijing half marathon after three other runners slowed down to let him win, leading to all four being disqualified and having to return their medals and prize money. The runners were originally hired as pacemakers by a sponsor, and the main organisers were unaware of this. The main organiser is losing its right to host the Beijing Half Marathon as punishment, and one of the pacemakers stated that their job was to set the pace and help He win, not to compete for the victory.