In Beijing, 12,000 runners are gearing up for a half-marathon, as many have before. The only difference this time is that their main competitors will be machines, rather than humans, a news outlet reports . The race, set for April, will see humanoid robots from more than 20 companies completing the full 21.1K race for the first time.

China announces world's first human-robot marathon with 12,000 runners competing against humanoid robots in historic Beijing race this April.

By Alimat Aliyeva China has announced plans to host the world's first race where humans will compete alongside humanoid

China is gearing up for a historic event in April, as it hosts the world’s first marathon featuring both human and robot runners. The half-marathon, scheduled for the Daxing district of Beijing, will see 12,

Humanoid robots are to run together with humans in a half-marathon in Beijing. The distance is a stumbling block for the robots.

Around 12,000 human athletes are expected to run alongside their robotic counterparts, the South China Morning Post reports. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both categories. The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area says the race will feature robots developed by more than 20 companies.

The initiative comes at a time when China is facing demographic challenges, including an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.

China's humanoid robot half-marathon in April 2025 highlights AI advancements and addresses its ageing population's challenges.

In China's Beijing, a unique human-robot marathon will take place with 12,000 participants racing alongside humanoid robots. This 21km event will feature entries from over 20 companies.