Chinese athletics officials have handed two-year bans to a pair of marathon runners whose behaviour during a race in Chengdu ignited a fierce debate about sportsmanship and safety in the country’s booming road-running scene.

The Sichuan Athletics Association announced that a female runner, identified only by her surname Wang, was disqualified and barred from future marathons in the province after she abruptly stopped mid-race to pose for photos. Viral video from the Chengdu marathon shows Wang halting in the middle of the course, dropping into a full split on the asphalt and raising her arms in a heart shape as other competitors stream past.

Officials said Wang “committed obstructive fouls during the race, affecting the safe participation of other runners,” arguing that her stunt created a hazard on a crowded course. The footage, widely shared on Chinese social media, drew millions of views and sharp criticism from users who accused her of treating the event as a stage for self-promotion rather than a serious competition.

Also banned was a male runner, surnamed Zhang, who was photographed carrying a transparent backpack stuffed with energy gels and snacks taken from on-course supply stations. The association said Zhang had “illegally taken a large quantity of race supplies for personal use,” depriving other participants of nutrition meant to be shared among the field.

Both runners were stripped of their Chengdu marathon results and prohibited from entering any marathon events in Sichuan for two years. The association said the sanctions were intended to “enforce race discipline, maintain a fair competition environment and ensure the safe and orderly conduct of events.”

The incidents have intensified scrutiny of China’s rapidly expanding marathon industry, where tens of thousands of new runners have flocked to races across the country. Social media users called for even harsher penalties, with some demanding lifetime bans and describing the behaviour as evidence of “extreme selfishness.”

The controversy follows a series of embarrassing episodes at Chinese road races, including runners taking shortcuts, jumping on rental bikes to gain an advantage and officials inadvertently obstructing competitors near the finish line. The Chengdu bans signal a tougher stance from local authorities as they attempt to professionalise events and protect the integrity of competition.