Organisers of the Beijing half marathon are investigating allegations that three African athletes deliberately allowed China's star runner He Jie to win Sunday's race.
Footage appeared, external to show Kenya's Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopia's Dejene Hailu pointing to the line and slowing down before waving past He, 25.
The result was criticised by some Chinese social media users.
Mnangat has told BBC Sport Africa that the trio ran as pacemakers.
The Kenyan said four runners had been contracted to help He break the Chinese half-marathon record of one hour two minutes 33 seconds, and that one of them did not finish the race.
He missed out on the record with a time of 1:03:44, one second ahead of the trio, who tied for second place.
"I was not there to compete," said Mnangat. "It was not a competitive race for me."
A spokesperson at the Beijing Sports Bureau told AFP they were investigating the incident, adding: "We will announce the results to the public once they are available."
Xstep, a Chinese sports brand who sponsored the event and have a contract with He, told Chinese state-owned The Paper:, external "The situation is still being confirmed and verified by multiple parties. Further information will be communicated as soon as possible."
I know the only Sub 2 hour 42.2 used pacers. It is not an official marathon record as pacers where used. Mr He Jie is a huge embarrassment. Caught with his pants down really!
