Hong Kong CNN —Chinese runner He Jie’s victory Sunday in the Beijing Half Marathon is facing a probe after his win was called into question by Chinese internet users because a trio of African runners appeared to deliberately slow down to let him win. The Chinese runner crossed the finish line in 1:03:44 to claim the $5,500 first prize, with the African trio just one second behind in joint-second place. The video clip shows the African runners applauding He’s win and patting him on the back, though the Asian Games marathon champion appears less enthused despite winning his first ever competitive half marathon. Some Chinese internet users called for an investigation into the race, while others demanded action from organizers. He is ranked 77th in the world in men’s marathon by World Athletics and is expected to lead the way for Asian runners in the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

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Persons: Kenya’s Willy Mnangat, Robert Keter, Ethiopia’s, He’s, patting, “, ”, ” Xstep, It’s, Mark Dreyer, That’s, “ It’s, Jie, ” Dreyer Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Asian Games, Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, Chinese Athletics Association, CNN, Sporting, World Athletics Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Kenya, Weibo, China’s Ningxia