In March 2025, over 12,000 human runners and 21 humanoid robots came together in Beijing for a groundbreaking event: the 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon. This was the first time humans and robots shared the same race course, albeit with robots on a separate track accompanied by engineers or human operators. The 13-mile (21-kilometer) race aimed to showcase advancements in humanoid robotics, test their capabilities, and promote public understanding of their potential. The robots participating in the event were designed by various companies, each with unique features. Noetix Robotics entered the N2 robot, which weighs about 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and stands 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall. YouTree Tech contributed their G1 model, weighing around 80 pounds (36 kilograms) and standing 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. One particularly notable robot had a female face, adding a human-like element to the competition. To prepare for the race, the robots underwent rigorous training, including night endurance tests. They were required to complete the marathon within 3 hours and 30 minutes, with awards given for three categories: finishing the race, best endurance, and most popular robot. Despite the high-tech setting, not all robots performed flawlessly. Reuters reported that one robot fell at the starting line, while another collided with a barrier, causing its human operator to fall as well. The Wall Street Journal noted that a robot named "Huan Huan" frequently ran in the wrong direction and eventually refused to continue. The standout performer was the Tien Kung Ultra robot, designed by the Beijing Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center. It completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. Li Quan, the deputy director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, stated that the event was designed to highlight the progress in humanoid robotics and to foster more discussions about their practical applications. He emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness and acceptance of robotic technology, which can lead to further advancements and integration in various industries. In April 2025, Beijing further cemented its position in the robotics race by hosting the first-ever half marathon exclusively for robots. Approximately 20 robotic teams from across China gathered at the E-Town (Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area) to compete in the 21-kilometer challenge. This event, much like the previous one, aimed to test the performance and reliability of humanoid robots in a real-world setting, highlighting China's ambitious push into high-tech domains. The robots began their race in the early morning, accompanied by the repeated playing of the song "I Believe." While human runners waited nearby, capturing the historic moment on their phones, the robots set off with varying degrees of success. A smaller robot garnered applause as it managed to stand up after falling, while a propeller-driven robot resembling a Transformer deviated from the track, crashing into an obstacle and toppling an accompanying engineer. Despite these setbacks, the event proceeded smoothly, with a focus on endurance and reliability rather than speed. According to Liang Liang, the deputy director of the Beijing E-Town Management Committee, the marathon was a significant step forward in promoting the industrial application of humanoid robots. “For humans, stepping onto the track may be a small step, but for humanoid robots, it is a giant leap,” he said. The marathon provided valuable data on how robots could operate more reliably in complex environments, which is crucial for their future deployment in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Engineers from participating companies emphasized the importance of the event in validating and improving their designs. Cui Wenhao, a 28-year-old engineer from Noetix Robotics, mentioned that their humanoid robot had been undergoing daily half-marathon training, achieving an average pace of about 7 minutes per kilometer. He was optimistic about the robot's performance but had a backup ready just in case. Kili,assign Kili Chang, a 25-year-old engineer from DroidUp, highlighted that the event was crucial for the future integration of humanoid robots into human society, paving the way for their participation in more human activities. The robots in the race ranged in height from 75 centimeters to 180 centimeters, and some weighed as much as 88 kilograms. While some robots could operate autonomously, others required remote control by engineers. This variety in design and operation methods underscored the diverse approaches and technologies being explored in the field of humanoid robotics. Industry experts lauded the event as a significant milestone in China's high-tech development. China, the world's second-largest economy, has been steadily increasing its investment in artificial intelligence and robotics, aiming to become a global leader. Notably, in January 2025, the Chinese startup DeepSeek launched a cost-effective chatbot, garnering widespread attention. Moreover, humanoid robots were prominently featured in the Spring Festival Gala, performing traditional dances alongside human performers, demonstrating the potential of robotics in entertainment. The 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon and humanoid robot marathon not only underscored China's technical achievements but also provided a practical platform for testing and improving robots. The events marked a significant step toward the broader adoption and integration of humanoid robots in society, reinforcing China's commitment to leading the global robotics revolution.