China Hosts World's First Humanoid Half-Marathon, 12,000 Participate

In Beijing's Yizhuang district, over 20 humanoid robots raced alongside 12,000 human runners in the world's first humanoid half-marathon, marking a significant milestone in robotics engineering. The top robot, Tiangong Ultra, completed the 21-kilometer course in 2 hours and 40 minutes, substantially slower than the fastest human who finished in just over an hour. Robots faced numerous challenges, including falls, crashes, and the need for battery changes, yet several managed to complete the race, surprising some experts who doubted any would finish. The event underscores China's ambition to lead in humanoid robotics, supported by government policy aiming for mass production and supply chain security by 2025. While the robots' performance demonstrated technological progress, it also highlighted that human athletes still far outperform machines in endurance events. The spectacle drew public attention and showcased both the promise and current limitations of humanoid robotics.