World’s First Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon Held in Beijing’s Yizhuang

Beijing, April 19, 2025 — In a groundbreaking event, Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area (Yizhuang) hosted the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon today. Over 9,000 human runners joined 21 humanoid robots from nearly 20 robotics companies, racing along a 21.0975-kilometer course. The event showcased China’s rapid advancements in humanoid robotics and its ambition to lead in this cutting-edge field.

Held in Yizhuang’s “E-Town” high-tech manufacturing hub, the race was a pioneering test of bipedal robots’ endurance, stability, and battery life in real-world conditions. The challenging course featured slopes and turns, pushing the robots’ engineering to the limit. Beyond speed, awards were given for best endurance, smoothest gait, and most innovative design, highlighting the diversity of robotic technology.

“Tiangong Ultra” Takes the Crown

The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center’s “Tiangong Ultra” clinched first place, finishing in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. Requiring only three battery swaps, the robot’s long-legged design and human-like running algorithms stole the show. “Tiangong Ultra’s performance rivals Western models, marking a major leap for Chinese robotics,” said Tang Jian, the center’s chief technology officer.
Trailing closely were Noetix’s compact “N2” and Shanghai-based DroidUp’s “Walker-2,” securing second and third, respectively, underscoring China’s diverse robotics ecosystem.

Robots Race Alongside Humans

The event pitted robots against human runners on parallel tracks, drawing over 12,000 applicants and reflecting public excitement for the fusion of technology and sport. The robots varied widely—some sported sneakers, others wore boxing gloves, and one even had feminine features, winking at spectators. Not all robots finished smoothly; several stumbled at the start, highlighting areas for improvement.
“This marathon is a proving ground for algorithms, hardware, and software working together,” said Xiong Youjun, CEO of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. Liang Liang, deputy director of Yizhuang’s administrative committee, added, “Completing the race is just the beginning—it’s a launchpad for industry growth and cross-disciplinary innovation.” According to the China Electronics Society, China’s humanoid robot market could reach $119 billion by 2030, with applications in healthcare, logistics, and construction.

Debate: Tech Milestone or PR Stunt?

While the event sparked global buzz, some experts questioned its significance. Alan Fern, a professor of computer science and robotics at Oregon State University, argued that the software for robotic running was developed years ago, calling the race more of a tech showcase than an AI breakthrough. Daniel Rixen of the Technical University of Munich was blunter, labeling it “a PR move to flex China’s tech prowess.”
Still, social media buzzed with excitement. X user

@InkCollege hailed the event as “the first large-scale, open-environment test for humanoid robots,” while

@qinbafrank noted that the 20-kilometer real-world course exposed critical gaps in joint design and energy efficiency—key hurdles for practical deployment.

Yizhuang: China’s Robotics Powerhouse

Yizhuang, home to over 100 robotics firms and backed by a $13.7 billion government fund, is China’s robotics epicenter. The event, originally planned for April 12 but postponed due to high winds, underscored organizers’ commitment to safety and precision. Yizhuang also hosts the World Robot Conference and a robotics exhibition center, cementing its role in building smart cities.

What’s Next?

The robot marathon was more than a race—it was a bold statement of China’s robotics ambitions. As X user

@faxianluge mused, “If robots can run marathons, how soon will they be cooking, babysitting, or cleaning our homes?” With technology advancing rapidly, humanoid robots may soon become a fixture in daily life.