Kenyan runner reveals why he controversially let Chinese man win Beijing marathon

16th April 2024 - by Tony Kipkorir

Video footage shows the 3 African athletes slowing down and letting He Jie win the race.

SUMMARY

Willy Mnangat, Robert Keter and Dejene Hailu were involved in the scandal showing the three slowing down for He Jie to win.
According to Mnangat, they were contracted to do the pace-setting duties for the Chinese runner.
World Athletics has reacted to the viral clip stating that they will wait for the investigations to be completed before providing further comments.

Willy Mnangat, one of the Kenyan road race runners who was involved in a controversial race over the weekend, has dismissed claims that he engaged in race fixing.

The 2019 Kuwait Half Marathon champion told BBC Sport Africa that he and other two East African athletes were contracted to do pace-setting duties for Chinese competitor He Jie at the 2024 Beijing Half Marathon.

“It was not a competitive race for me. I don't know why they put my name on the bib instead of labelling it as a pacemaker.

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My job was to set the pace and help the guy win but unfortunately, he did not achieve the target, which was to break the national record,” he stated.

Jie won the title in a time of 1:03.44 and in the process missed the Chinese half marathon national record by 71 seconds.

Mnangat had earlier told the South China Morning Post that he allowed Jie to clinch the title since he is his friend.

The athlete, who has a lifetime best of 1:03.29, is the only one who has spoken so far since the incident occurred.

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A viral clip of him, Robert Keter and Dejene Hailu intentionally slowing down at the final meters of the race to allow Jie to win the race went viral across the world, leading to speculations of race fixing.

World Athletics has reacted to the short video, stating that the matter is being looked into by the organizers of the marathon.

“We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities.

"The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment,” the statement read.

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