<h3>Humans and robots running side by side</h3>
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<figure data-asset-id="41abce35-beb2-46f8-b8aa-da63c4d1f7a0" data-image-id="41abce35-beb2-46f8-b8aa-da63c4d1f7a0"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/31dbcbc6-da4c-0033-328a-d7621d0fa726/b26dbe32-10a0-4897-9db8-76b521190b79/2025-04-19T004146Z_1079310709_RC2N0EAALDRD_RTRMADP_3_ATHLETICS-CHINA-ROBOTS.JPG" data-asset-id="41abce35-beb2-46f8-b8aa-da63c4d1f7a0" data-image-id="41abce35-beb2-46f8-b8aa-da63c4d1f7a0" alt="Humanoid robot &quot;Tiangong&quot; participates along with human runners in the E-Town Half Marathon &amp; Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing, China April, 19 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang"></figure>
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<p>What once seemed like science fiction became reality on the streets of <strong>Beijing</strong>. For the first time ever, human runners officially shared a half marathon with humanoid robots. The event began at 7:30 a.m. in the tech district of <strong>Yizhuang</strong>, where Chinese-developed robot <strong>Tiangong Ultra</strong> stole the spotlight.</p>
<p>Created by the company <strong>Humanoid</strong>, <strong>Tiangong Ultra</strong> not only finished the race but did so with a time of 2:40:42—becoming the first robot to cross the finish line in a real-world half marathon. This milestone paves the way for a new era in which humans and AI may compete, collaborate, or even coexist in sporting events.</p>
<h3>Technical challenges and a promising future</h3>
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<figure data-asset-id="f2f130f6-8c1e-4879-a21b-2bb7aed7cce7" data-image-id="f2f130f6-8c1e-4879-a21b-2bb7aed7cce7"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/31dbcbc6-da4c-0033-328a-d7621d0fa726/edb71e0e-8b11-4d76-a4d1-c8189732f270/2025-04-19T004709Z_999397898_RC2N0EAS1XWZ_RTRMADP_3_ATHLETICS-CHINA-ROBOTS.JPG" data-asset-id="f2f130f6-8c1e-4879-a21b-2bb7aed7cce7" data-image-id="f2f130f6-8c1e-4879-a21b-2bb7aed7cce7" alt="Engineers run with the humanoid robot &quot;Noetix N2&quot; as it participates along with human runners in the E-Town Half Marathon &amp; Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing, China April, 19 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
"></figure>
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<p>Despite completing the course, the journey wasn't without issues. The robot had to change batteries three times and fell once due to a power glitch. Still, its developers were thrilled with the performance: “We had three goals—win, finish the race with one robot, and do it under three hours. We achieved all three,” they stated proudly.</p>
<p>Other robots also attempted the challenge, but only four maintained a steady pace to finish. Most still lack the capabilities to handle long distances, but the event showcased the rapid development of China’s tech industry in sports.</p>
<p>“This isn’t just a race. It’s a global innovation platform. We want robotics to become part of everyday life,” said <strong>Liang Liang</strong>, vice president of the organizing committee.</p>
<p>What happened in <strong>Beijing</strong> not only redefines the limits of athletic competition but also raises important questions about the future of sports, fair play, and the line between human and artificial achievement. Like it or not, the future is already here.</p>
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The Future Is Here! Robot Runner Completes Half Marathon and Shocks the World

The humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra made history in Beijing, becoming the first to complete a half marathon under real urban race conditions, marking a technological breakthrough in sports.

Humans and robots running side by side

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