On April 19, 2025, Beijing, China, made history by hosting the world’s first half-marathon race featuring both humans and humanoid robots. This unique event attracted thousands of runners who competed alongside 21 humanoid robots on a challenging 21-kilometer (13-mile) course. The robots varied in height, with some measuring as short as 3 feet 9 inches and others reaching up to 5 feet 9 inches, all designed to resemble humans and capable of running or walking without the use of wheels.

The standout performer among the robots was Tiangong Ultra, which completed the race in an impressive time of two hours and 40 minutes. In comparison, the fastest human runner finished the race in just one hour and two minutes. Tang Jian, the chief technology officer at the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, credited Tiangong’s success to its long legs and a sophisticated algorithm that mimicked human running techniques. He expressed pride in the robot’s achievements, claiming that no other robotics companies in the West have reached similar milestones.

Throughout the race, the robots faced various challenges. One robot stumbled at the starting line and required a few moments to regain its footing before continuing. Another robot collided with a railing, which caused its human operator to fall. These incidents highlighted the complexities of robotic performance in a competitive environment, where even minor errors can lead to setbacks.

Human trainers accompanied the robots during the race, providing physical support when necessary. Some of the robots were outfitted with running shoes, while others sported unique accessories, such as boxing gloves and a red headband emblazoned with the phrase “Bound to Win” in Chinese. These additions not only enhanced the robots’ appearance but also added a playful element to the competition.

China is home to numerous robotics companies, some of which specialize in creating humanoid robots, while others focus on developing robotic dogs. The nation’s advancements in robotics have been showcased in various contexts, including military applications, such as the People’s Liberation Army utilizing robotic dogs equipped with weaponry during training exercises. This half-marathon event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing integration of robotics into everyday life and highlights China’s leadership in the field.

Original news source: China hosts world’s first half-marathon race between humans and robots (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different words or phrases related to the article, such as “humanoid robot,” “marathon,” “robotic dogs,” and “Chinese technology.” The other groups will guess the word or phrase being acted out.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a list of statements based on the article, such as “Robots should compete with humans in sports.” Students will walk around the classroom and ask their classmates for their opinions on each statement, tallying the responses. Afterward, discuss the results as a class.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Pose the question, “What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of robots participating in sports?” Students will think individually for a minute, then pair up to discuss their thoughts before sharing with the whole class.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Have students work in pairs to create catchy headlines for the article. They should focus on summarizing the main points in a creative and engaging way. Afterward, pairs can share their headlines with the class, and a discussion can follow about the impact of headlines on news stories.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Ask students to predict how the integration of robots in competitive sports might evolve in the next decade. They should consider advancements in technology and societal reactions. After writing down their predictions, students can share their thoughts in small groups and discuss the implications.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the significance of the half-marathon race held in Beijing on April 19, 2025?
2. How did the performance of Tiangong Ultra compare to that of the fastest human runner in the race?
3. What features contributed to Tiangong Ultra’s success according to Tang Jian?
4. Describe some of the challenges the humanoid robots faced during the race.
5. What role did human trainers play in the half-marathon event?
6. How did the accessories worn by some of the robots enhance their appearance and the overall competition?
7. In what ways are China’s robotics companies contributing to the field of robotics beyond humanoid robots?
8. What does the half-marathon event indicate about the integration of robotics into everyday life in China?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

On April 19, 2025, Beijing, China, made history by hosting the world’s first half-marathon race featuring both humans and (1)______ (2)______. This (3)______ event attracted thousands of runners who competed alongside 21 humanoid robots on a challenging 21-kilometer (13-mile) course. The robots varied in height, with some measuring as short as 3 feet 9 inches and others reaching up to 5 feet 9 inches, all designed to resemble humans and capable of running or walking without the use of wheels.

The standout performer among the robots was Tiangong Ultra, which (4)______ the race in an impressive time of two hours and 40 minutes. In comparison, the fastest human (5)______ finished the race in just one hour and two minutes. Tang Jian, the (6)______ technology officer at the Beijing (7)______ Centre of Human (8)______, credited Tiangong’s success to its long legs and a sophisticated algorithm that mimicked human running techniques. He expressed pride in the robot’s achievements, claiming that no other robotics companies in the West have reached similar milestones.

Throughout the race, the robots faced various challenges. One robot stumbled at the starting line and required a few moments to regain its footing before continuing. Another robot collided with a railing, which caused its human operator to fall. These incidents highlighted the complexities of robotic performance in a competitive environment, where even (9)______ errors can lead to setbacks.

(10)______ trainers (11)______ the robots during the race, providing physical support when necessary. Some of the robots were outfitted with running shoes, while others sported unique accessories, such as boxing gloves and a red headband emblazoned with the phrase “Bound to Win” in Chinese. These (12)______ not only enhanced the robots’ appearance but also added a playful element to the competition.

(13)______ is home to numerous robotics companies, some of which specialize in creating humanoid robots, while others (14)______ on (15)______ robotic dogs. The nation’s advancements in robotics have been showcased in various contexts, including military applications, such as the People’s Liberation Army utilizing robotic dogs equipped with weaponry during training exercises. This half-marathon (16)______ marks a significant milestone in the ongoing integration of robotics into everyday life and highlights China’s leadership in the field.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the integration of robots into sports events?

2. How would you feel if you had the opportunity to compete alongside robots in a race?

3. Do you think humanoid robots could ever surpass human athletes in performance? Why or why not?

4. What is a significant technological advancement you believe will change our lives in the next decade?

5. How do you think the presence of robots in competitive sports will affect human athletes’ motivation and training?

6. Do you like the idea of robots having personalities or accessories, like the ones described in the article? Why or why not?

7. What is a challenge you think robots might face in adapting to unpredictable environments, such as a race?

8. How would you feel if robots became commonplace in everyday activities, such as running errands or exercising?

9. Do you think the advancements in robotics could lead to job losses in certain industries? Why or why not?

10. What is a sport you believe could benefit from the inclusion of robots, and how would that change the game?

11. How do you think society should address ethical concerns regarding the use of robots in various fields, including sports?

12. Do you think the excitement generated by events like the half-marathon will encourage more people to participate in sports? Why?

13. What is a personal experience you have had with technology that changed your perspective on its role in daily life?

14. How would you feel if you were to train a robot to compete in a sport? What challenges do you think you would face?

15. Do you think the advancements in robotics will lead to a better quality of life for people? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. humanoid
2. algorithm
3. milestones
4. stumbled
5. collided
6. complexities
7. setbacks
8. accompanied
9. outfitted
10. emblazoned
11. showcased
12. advancements
13. integration
14. leadership
15. ongoing

Meanings:
(A) Continuing or in progress without interruption
(B) Intricate or complicated aspects
(C) Delays or obstacles that hinder progress
(D) Went along with or was present with someone
(E) Displayed or presented to an audience
(F) Equipped or provided with necessary items
(G) The ability to guide or direct a group or organization
(H) Resembling a human in appearance or behavior
(I) Crashed into or hit something
(J) Decorated with a design or words that stand out
(K) A set of rules or calculations used for problem-solving or decision-making
(L) The process of combining or incorporating into a whole
(M) Significant achievements or points in development
(N) Progress or improvements in a particular field
(O) Tripped or lost balance momentarily
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What significant event took place in Beijing on April 19, 2025?
(a) The world’s first half-marathon race featuring humans and humanoid robots
(b) The launch of a new humanoid robot
(c) A robotics conference
(d) A military training exercise

2. How many humanoid robots participated in the half-marathon race?
(a) 15
(b) 21
(c) 30
(d) 10

3. What was the impressive completion time of the standout robot, Tiangong Ultra?
(a) One hour and 30 minutes
(b) Three hours and 15 minutes
(c) Two hours and 10 minutes
(d) Two hours and 40 minutes

4. Who is Tang Jian?
(a) A leading human runner in the race
(b) A robotics engineer from the West
(c) The chief technology officer at the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics
(d) The organizer of the half-marathon event

5. What challenges did the robots face during the race?
(a) Running out of battery power
(b) Getting lost on the course
(c) Being unable to follow the human runners
(d) Stumbling at the starting line and colliding with railings

6. What unique accessories did some of the robots wear during the race?
(a) Running shoes and a red headband
(b) Sunglasses and hats
(c) Backpacks and water bottles
(d) Wristbands and ankle weights

7. What type of applications have China’s robotics companies developed?
(a) Only humanoid robots
(b) Humanoid robots and robotic dogs
(c) Only robotic dogs
(d) Agricultural robots

8. What does the half-marathon event signify for robotics in China?
(a) A decline in robotics development
(b) A competition between countries in robotics
(c) A significant milestone in the integration of robotics into everyday life
(d) An end to traditional running events

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The half-marathon event does not signify a significant milestone in the integration of robotics into everyday life and showcases China’s lack of leadership in the field.
2. Tiangong Ultra was not the standout performer among the humanoid robots, completing the race in six hours and 40 minutes.
3. Beijing, China, hosted the world’s first half-marathon race featuring both humans and humanoid robots on April 19, 2025.
4. Some humanoid robots were outfitted with running shoes, while others had unique accessories like boxing gloves and a red headband.
5. China has numerous robotics companies that specialize in creating humanoid robots and robotic dogs.
6. The fastest human runner did not finish the race in one hour and two minutes.
7. Human trainers accompanied the robots during the race to provide physical support when necessary.
8. The half-marathon course was not 21 kilometers (13 miles) long.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What unique features did the humanoid robots possess that allowed them to compete in the half-marathon alongside human runners?
2. How did Tiangong Ultra’s performance compare to that of the fastest human runner in the race?
3. What challenges did the humanoid robots encounter during the half-marathon, and what do these challenges reveal about robotic performance?
4. In what ways did human trainers assist the robots during the race, and what accessories were some of the robots equipped with?
5. How does the half-marathon event reflect China’s advancements and leadership in the field of robotics?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the significance of the half-marathon race held in Beijing on April 19, 2025?
The significance of the half-marathon race was that it was the world’s first race featuring both humans and humanoid robots, marking a historic milestone in the integration of robotics into competitive sports.

2. How did the performance of Tiangong Ultra compare to that of the fastest human runner in the race?
Tiangong Ultra completed the race in two hours and 40 minutes, while the fastest human runner finished in just one hour and two minutes, demonstrating a notable difference in performance.

3. What features contributed to Tiangong Ultra’s success according to Tang Jian?
Tiangong Ultra’s success was attributed to its long legs and a sophisticated algorithm that mimicked human running techniques, as noted by Tang Jian.

4. Describe some of the challenges the humanoid robots faced during the race.
The humanoid robots faced challenges such as stumbling at the starting line, requiring time to regain their footing, and one robot colliding with a railing, which caused its human operator to fall.

5. What role did human trainers play in the half-marathon event?
Human trainers accompanied the robots during the race, providing physical support when necessary to assist the robots in completing the course.

6. How did the accessories worn by some of the robots enhance their appearance and the overall competition?
The accessories, such as running shoes, boxing gloves, and a red headband with the phrase “Bound to Win,” enhanced the robots’ appearance and added a playful element to the competition.

7. In what ways are China’s robotics companies contributing to the field of robotics beyond humanoid robots?
China’s robotics companies are also developing robotic dogs and have showcased advancements in military applications, such as the People’s Liberation Army using robotic dogs equipped with weaponry during training exercises.

8. What does the half-marathon event indicate about the integration of robotics into everyday life in China?
The half-marathon event indicates a significant milestone in the ongoing integration of robotics into everyday life in China, highlighting the country’s leadership in the field of robotics.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) humanoid
(2) robots
(3) unique
(4) completed
(5) runner
(6) chief
(7) Innovation
(8) Robotics
(9) minor
(10) Human
(11) accompanied
(12) additions
(13) China
(14) focus
(15) developing
(16) event
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. humanoid
Answer: (H) Resembling a human in appearance or behavior

2. algorithm
Answer: (K) A set of rules or calculations used for problem-solving or decision-making

3. milestones
Answer: (M) Significant achievements or points in development

4. stumbled
Answer: (O) Tripped or lost balance momentarily

5. collided
Answer: (I) Crashed into or hit something

6. complexities
Answer: (B) Intricate or complicated aspects

7. setbacks
Answer: (C) Delays or obstacles that hinder progress

8. accompanied
Answer: (D) Went along with or was present with someone

9. outfitted
Answer: (F) Equipped or provided with necessary items

10. emblazoned
Answer: (J) Decorated with a design or words that stand out

11. showcased
Answer: (E) Displayed or presented to an audience

12. advancements
Answer: (N) Progress or improvements in a particular field

13. integration
Answer: (L) The process of combining or incorporating into a whole

14. leadership
Answer: (G) The ability to guide or direct a group or organization

15. ongoing
Answer: (A) Continuing or in progress without interruption
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What significant event took place in Beijing on April 19, 2025?
Answer: (a) The world’s first half-marathon race featuring humans and humanoid robots

2. How many humanoid robots participated in the half-marathon race?
Answer: (b) 21

3. What was the impressive completion time of the standout robot, Tiangong Ultra?
Answer: (d) Two hours and 40 minutes

4. Who is Tang Jian?
Answer: (c) The chief technology officer at the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics

5. What challenges did the robots face during the race?
Answer: (d) Stumbling at the starting line and colliding with railings

6. What unique accessories did some of the robots wear during the race?
Answer: (a) Running shoes and a red headband

7. What type of applications have China’s robotics companies developed?
Answer: (b) Humanoid robots and robotic dogs

8. What does the half-marathon event signify for robotics in China?
Answer: (c) A significant milestone in the integration of robotics into everyday life
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The half-marathon event does not signify a significant milestone in the integration of robotics into everyday life and showcases China’s lack of leadership in the field. (Answer: False)
2. Tiangong Ultra was not the standout performer among the humanoid robots, completing the race in six hours and 40 minutes. (Answer: False)
3. Beijing, China, hosted the world’s first half-marathon race featuring both humans and humanoid robots on April 19, 2025. (Answer: True)
4. Some humanoid robots were outfitted with running shoes, while others had unique accessories like boxing gloves and a red headband. (Answer: True)
5. China has numerous robotics companies that specialize in creating humanoid robots and robotic dogs. (Answer: True)
6. The fastest human runner did not finish the race in one hour and two minutes. (Answer: False)
7. Human trainers accompanied the robots during the race to provide physical support when necessary. (Answer: True)
8. The half-marathon course was not 21 kilometers (13 miles) long. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧