Humanoid robots run Beijing half marathon in world-first event

China pushes robotics innovation as humanoid robots join human runners in groundbreaking 21-kilometre race.

A humanoid robot starts alongside technicians during the Beijing E-town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon on April 19, 2025, in Beijing, China. Photo by VCG/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a striking blend of science fiction and real-world innovation, humanoid robots ran the Beijing half marathon on Saturday, marking the first time in history that androids have competed alongside humans in a long-distance public race. Held in the capital's E-Town, a tech-centered district known for high-end manufacturing, the event was not just a spectacle—it was a testbed for China's growing robotics industry and its global ambitions.

The humanoid robots run Beijing half marathon event, spanning 21 kilometers (13 miles), featured dozens of bipedal machines navigating the same course as thousands of human participants. Organizers and engineers used this opportunity to push the limits of current robotic capabilities, seeing how the machines would handle the strain of distance running in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

A surreal start to a historic race

At the starting line, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. A Chinese pop song titled “I Believe” looped through loudspeakers as engineers placed their humanoid entries at the ready. One by one, the robots sprang—or in some cases, wobbled—into action after the starter’s pistol fired.

Though some machines stumbled, including one that fell and remained motionless for minutes before rising to a roar of applause, others moved with surprising stability. A robot styled like a Transformer even veered off track, crashing into a barrier and knocking over its handler in a scene that amused the crowd.

On the other side of the road, human runners waited patiently, many pulling out phones to film what they instantly knew was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It was clear this wasn’t just a race; it was a carefully staged preview of what the future might look like when robots operate in the same public spaces as people.

Robots, engineers, and ambition

More than 20 robotics teams from across China participated in the race. The androids varied in height from 75 to 180 centimeters and weighed up to 88 kilograms. Some machines ran autonomously using pre-programmed algorithms, while others were guided remotely by engineers. Organizers made sure that robots and humans had separate lanes for safety and evaluation purposes.

“This event marks a giant leap for humanoid robotics,” said Liang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing E-Town management committee. “It’s not just about finishing the race—it’s about showing how close we are to integrating robots into daily human activity.”

Engineers jogged alongside their mechanical creations, offering real-time monitoring and assistance. For some teams, the half marathon served as a proving ground for innovations in battery life, mobility algorithms, and physical stability.

Not about speed, but stamina

Cui Wenhao, a 28-year-old engineer from Noetix Robotics, described the race as a crucial moment for the robotics field.

“Honestly, there are very few real-world scenarios where the entire robotics industry can test performance over such a long stretch,” Cui said. “The marathon is a comprehensive test—for batteries, motors, balance, and software systems.”

Cui’s team had trained its humanoid robot by having it complete a half marathon every day at a controlled pace of seven minutes per kilometer. “We’re confident it’ll finish,” he said. “But just to be sure, we brought a backup robot.”

Another team member, 25-year-old Kong Yichang from DroidUp, emphasized the bigger picture: “This lays the groundwork for humanoid robots to do more than just lab work. It’s a stepping stone toward a future where they can actively participate in society.”

China’s robotics ambition on full display

The humanoid robots run Beijing half marathon event wasn’t just a showcase of engineering prowess—it was also a political statement. As China positions itself as a global tech superpower, this race highlighted its commitment to leading the development of artificial intelligence and robotics.

In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek claimed headlines with a low-cost chatbot that rivaled its American counterparts. During the Lunar New Year, dancing humanoid robots were featured in China’s televised national gala, captivating millions of viewers. Saturday’s half marathon is the latest example of how the country is merging culture, technology, and public spectacle to advance its tech agenda.

Beijing’s E-Town, the venue for the race, is one of China’s state-backed hubs for technological innovation. Events like this support its goal to become a global center for robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Redefining the role of humanoid robots

The robot marathon in Beijing proved that humanoid machines could handle more than factory floors and demonstration booths. Endurance races like this demand real-time obstacle detection, terrain adaptability, and long-term energy efficiency—all essential for robots envisioned to work in real-world human environments, from delivery to caregiving.

Though the race was not about who came in first, the finishing time of each robot provided valuable data. Some robots were built for endurance, others for mobility; some stumbled early and recovered, while others completed the route with minimal issues. The unpredictability mirrored human running events, reminding spectators that these machines, too, must train, adapt, and evolve.

A long road ahead, but a promising start

While the half marathon represents a huge milestone, experts say there’s still a long way to go. Most of the robots required some level of external guidance, and none matched the speed or fluidity of human runners. However, the engineers were optimistic.

“This is a beginning, not an end,” said one team leader. “If we keep pushing these boundaries, soon humanoid robots will be walking, working, and even competing alongside us—not just on the streets of Beijing, but all around the world.”

By the end of the event, as the last of the androids crossed the finish line and were cheered on by engineers and spectators alike, one thing became clear: humanoid robots running the Beijing half marathon was more than a novelty—it was a defining moment in humanity’s march toward a robotic future.

With every mechanical footstep, these machines are not only learning to walk among us—they're beginning to run.