|
JINAN, China, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- A marathon held in eastern China has been thrown into dispute after organizers revoked the results of the winner for alleged "cheating".
Gong Chao, 29, crossed the finish line first in two hours 52 minutes in last Sunday's Yantai International Marathon, but was later told he could not collect the prize because of "fraud".
Gong, who took to the Internet to protest, told Xinhua that photos taken at the starting and finish points, the timer installed in his shoes, and the mobile App in his mobile phone could testify to his innocence.
Gong also showed credentials collected from other marathons. He clocked 2:58.13 in last month's Beijing International Marathon, and posted a time of 2:55:53 in another marathon in Weifang last year.
Wang Zengxiang, who also took part in the Yantai marathon, said he noticed Gong in the race. "I think it was very unlikely for Gong to cheat,because the race was contested along a straight route. There is no short-cut," said Wang.
But the organizers maintained that they have sufficient evidence to revoke Gong's results.
The organizers confirmed on Thursday that they have received Gong's written appeal and they are now reviewing the case. The final outcome will be made public in 48 hours.
