Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon began on November 10, 2024. The "Tiangong" robot, serving as a "closing rabbit" (a pacer who encourages and motivates runners to keep going), crossed the finish line alongside participants.

China is gearing up for a historic event in April, as it hosts the world’s first marathon featuring both human and robot runners. The half-marathon, scheduled for the Daxing district of Beijing, will see 12,

China's humanoid robot half-marathon in April 2025 highlights AI advancements and addresses its ageing population's challenges.

The initiative comes at a time when China is facing demographic challenges, including an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.

Around 12,000 human athletes are expected to run alongside their robotic counterparts, the South China Morning Post reports. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both categories. The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area says the race will feature robots developed by more than 20 companies.

China is set to host the world's first human-robot marathon in Beijing’s Daxing district this April, marking a major milestone in the development of robotics and AI. The event will feature robots running alongside 12,000 human participants, showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and sensor technology.

In China's Beijing, a unique human-robot marathon will take place with 12,000 participants racing alongside humanoid robots. This 21km event will feature entries from over 20 companies.

China plans to host a groundbreaking race like no other — a “world’s first” half-marathon where humans will go head-to-head with their own creation: humanoid robots. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the marathon is scheduled for April in Daxing district,