Chinese authorities have disqualified the winner of a women’s half-marathon after discovering the athlete who claimed victory was actually a man competing under a female bib number.
The incident occurred at the Anyang Half-Marathon in Henan Province on April 17, 2026, where the individual using the name “A” finished first in the women’s citizens’ division with a time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 5 seconds. The winner was awarded 1,000 yuan, approximately $21,700.
Race organizers launched an investigation after online speculation grew following the release of the results list on April 14. Photos shared on social media showed the runner’s physique and build appeared distinctly male, prompting officials to review the case.
The Anyang Marathon Organizing Committee confirmed on April 22 that the bib number assigned to the female entrant had been transferred to a male runner who competed in her place. The investigation revealed that three individuals were involved in the bib transfer scheme, all of whom have received lifetime bans from participating in the event.
All records and rankings associated with the disqualified entries have been voided. The committee also notified the Chinese Athletics Association and requested additional sanctions.
Officials noted that no one at the event detected the substitution during the race, and the issue went unnoticed even after the winners were announced. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that the promotional poster featuring the champion used a photograph of the male substitute.
The organizing committee stated that while those involved did not cooperate with the inquiry, the fact that a man won the women’s division was confirmed, and penalties were applied in accordance with competition rules.
