Female runner Wang doing splits on the course for a photo at the Chongqing World Heritage Marathon 2026 on march 22. Photo: Handout

According to the organizers' report, Wang stopped mid-course on march 22 to perform a split, apparently for a photo. Many runners behind her nearly tripped and had to swerve to avoid her.

On march 24, the organizers issued a disciplinary notice, stating that Wang's action "violated regulations, endangered, and affected the fairness of other athletes". She was also banned from participating in the 2027 event.

Another male athlete, Zhang, also faced penalties for collecting and carrying too many gels. Race day images showed Zhang carrying a drawstring bag filled with dozens of energy gel packets taken from aid stations along the course, exceeding the normal requirements for a marathon. He was disqualified, his results canceled, and banned from the Chongqing event in 2027 and 2028.

"We did not report him to the police or ask him to return the gels, we only called to criticize and educate him verbally," an organizer representative stated.

Both athletes were also banned by the Sichuan Provincial Athletics Federation from participating in all marathons in the province for two years, effective from the announcement date.

Zhang collected many gels from aid stations along the course and carried them in a drawstring bag at the Chongqing World Heritage Marathon 2026. Photo: Handout

The Chongqing World Heritage Marathon 2026 took place on march 22, attracting 35,000 athletes from 37 countries and territories.

The organizers also addressed cases of bib exchange fraud. One athlete, Li, was disqualified and permanently banned. Another athlete, Zhang, was also penalized for exchanging a bib after reporting it lost. These cases will be forwarded to the China Athletics Federation for further disciplinary action.

Hong Duy (via SCMP)