An investigation into the incident found that four runners had, in fact, been invited by a race sponsor to serve only as pacemakers, but the main organizers were unaware of this. The fourth had dropped out before completing the race.
"We deeply and sincerely apologize to the world and to every part of society, that we did not discover and correct the mistakes in time at this race," the statement read.
All four runners, including He, were disqualified and forced to return their medals and award money.
Zhong’ao Lupao Sports Management Co, the main organizer, also lost its right to host the event as a result.