Two Chengdu Marathon pacers have had their results cancelled and been barred from the event for two years after leaving the course and changing kit, Tuoi Tre reported. Organisers also removed their pacing status and referred the incident to the Chinese Athletics Association.
The role they were selected to perform
The race took place in Sichuan in late October and attracted 35,000 participants, including 25,000 registered for the full 42.195-kilometre marathon. The two pacers were identified in the report as Yang and Guo.
Citing YZWB, Tuoi Tre said organisers had supplied their clothing, shoes and necessary equipment. They subsequently left the route briefly and returned in another brand's products, retaining bib numbers D9999 and E9995.
Pacers are selected to maintain a consistent speed for runners targeting particular finishing times. Leaving the course therefore affected their assigned function as well as compliance with kit requirements.
What the sanction establishes
The reported two-year restriction applies to Chengdu Marathon. It should not be extended into a claim that the pair are banned from all races in China.
Their change of clothing prompted suspicion that they were promoting a brand outside the official sponsorship arrangements. The account does not establish a commercial agreement behind their conduct.
Tuoi Tre also cited Yicai on competition among sportswear sponsors for access to major events. Any further decision following the referral would be a separate development. The confirmed action in this report is the sanction imposed by the race organisers.