[Breaking News]Robot marathon in Beijing

BEIJING, China, April 19 Kyodo - A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026. (Kyodo)

China: Humanoid Robot Sets New Half-Marathon World Record in Beijing 2

A half-marathon featuring both humanoid robots and human runners was held in Beijing on Sunday, April 19. The winning robot "Lightning", developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the men's human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.

China: Humanoid Robot Sets New Half-Marathon World Record in Beijing 3

A half-marathon featuring both humanoid robots and human runners was held in Beijing on Sunday, April 19. The winning robot "Lightning", developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the men's human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds. Robots also showcased smooth dance moves at a special stage next to the marathon path at the robot mall.

China: Humanoid Robot Sets New Half-Marathon World Record in Beijing

A half-marathon featuring both humanoid robots and human runners was held in Beijing on Sunday, April 19. The winning robot "Lightning", developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the men's human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot falls upon starting a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

Photo shows the winner of a half marathon for humanoid robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

Photo shows the winner of a half marathon for humanoid robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

Photo shows the winner of a half marathon for humanoid robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

Photo shows the winner of a half marathon for humanoid robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

In 2025, humanoid robot sports competitions in China have gained wide attention both at home and abroad. In April, humanoid robots and human runners took to the same half-marathon course in Beijing for the first time. Wuxi hosted the first multi-sport games for embodied intelligent robots, with over 150 robot athletes competing in a variety of events. In August, Beijing held the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, featuring 280 teams from 16 countries and regions. This file photo taken on Aug. 17, 2025 shows humanoid robots running during a sprint match at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, capital of China. Photo by Ju Huanzong/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

In 2025, humanoid robot sports competitions in China have gained wide attention both at home and abroad. In April, humanoid robots and human runners took to the same half-marathon course in Beijing for the first time. Wuxi hosted the first multi-sport games for embodied intelligent robots, with over 150 robot athletes competing in a variety of events. In August, Beijing held the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, featuring 280 teams from 16 countries and regions. This file photo taken on Aug. 11, 2025 shows humanoid robots combating during a kickboxing match at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, capital of China. Photo by Ju Huanzong/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

2025 CIFTIS Held in Beijing

2025 CIFTIS Held in Beijing

SHANGHAI, CHINA- SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 - The audience visited the Marathon Robot at the 2025China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) booth in Yizhuang, Beijing, China on September 13, 2025.

2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services - Beijing

2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services - Beijing

The robots which won awards at a robot marathon are exhibited at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, September 11, 2025. The 2025 CIFTIS opened in Beijing on Wednesday, themed "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services." Photo by Xinhua/Li Xin/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

BEIJING, China, May 16 Kyodo - A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race. (Kyodo)

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race.

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race.

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race.

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race.

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

Winner of world's first humanoid half marathon

A two-legged robot runs in front of the media in Beijing on May 16, 2025, after winning the world's first humanoid half marathon, held in the Chinese capital in April. The robot completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, outperforming around 20 other similar robots in the race.

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Benben" (2nd R) waves at the starting line during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (Front, R) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Engineers work on robotic participant "Droidup X02" (C) before the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (C) crosses with the finishing line as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Zhurixingzhe" competes during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

A robot holding medals moves towards robotic participants and engineers during the awarding ceremony for humanoid robots after the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "NOETIX N2" (Front R) is seen after the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (2nd L) crosses the finishing line as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (R) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (R) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (C) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (C) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (L) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (3rd L) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (L) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Tiangong Ultra" (C) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

An engineer stands behind robotic participant "Kuavo" (front) before the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Journalists take photos of a robotic participant during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Songyandongli N2" (front) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Participants waves to a robotic participant "Benben" before the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Booster T1" waves during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Humanoid Robots Half-Marathon - Beijing

Robotic participant "Huanhuan" (front) competes as engineers run alongside during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, April 19, 2025. Photo by Cao Can/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM