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       4 Disqualified from Beijing Race After 3 Let Chinese Runner Pass

       A strange finish at the Beijing Half Marathon on Sunday led to an investigation and penalties.

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       From left, Willy Mnangat and Robert Keter of Kenya, He Jie of China and Dejene Hailu of Ethiopia approaching the finish line of the Beijing Half Marathon on Sunday. All four were disqualified on Friday.Credit...Reuters

       By Victor Mather and Isabella Kwai

       Published April 19, 2024Updated April 20, 2024, 11:13 a.m. ET

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       The top finishers in the Beijing Half Marathon have been disqualified after three runners from Africa appeared to step aside to let a Chinese competitor win the race on Sunday.

       The four runners approached the finish line close together, as they had been for much of the race. But then three of the runners appeared to move aside and gesture for the fourth, He Jie of China, to pass them.

       He won the race, and the three other runners, Willy Mnangat and Robert Keter of Kenya, and Dejene Hailu of Ethiopia, took the next three places.

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       A correction was made on April 20, 2024

       : An earlier version of this article described incorrectly He Jie’s finish time at the Beijing Half-Marathon. It was more than a minute short of the Chinese half-marathon record, not one second.

       When we learn of a mistake, we acknowledge it with a correction. If you spot an error, please let us know at nytnews@nytimes.com.Learn more

       Victor Mather covers sports as well as breaking news for The Times. More about Victor Mather

       Isabella Kwai is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news and other trends. More about Isabella Kwai

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