Beijing witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday as more than 20 humanoid robots competed in the world’s first-ever half-marathon designed specifically for robots, covering a distance of 21 kilometers, while over 12,000 human runners participated in a parallel race.

According to state-run Beijing Daily, the race kicked off from a rural park, with robots navigating minor slopes and a winding 21-kilometer track. Barriers separated the robot route from human competitors to ensure safety and smooth execution.

Teams from various tech companies and universities took part in this unique showcase, highlighting China’s rapid advancements in humanoid robotics—particularly in Yizhuang, southeastern Beijing, home to many of the capital’s high-tech firms.

The event aligns with China’s national strategy to lead in robotics innovation. In a 2023 policy document, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology identified humanoid robotics as a “new frontier in technological competition,” setting a goal to achieve mass production and secure supply chains for key components by 2025.

Though the robots did not outperform human runners in endurance or speed, their participation marked a promising milestone in the development of smart robotics systems.