Chinese Influencer Running Marathon with 'Fake' Medal... Claims "I Was Deceived by Antis"

Controversy Over "Fake Bib Number" Spreads Through Douyin
Organizers Confirm "Bib Was Printed Personally"

A sports influencer who participated in a marathon held in China was permanently banned after it was revealed that they used a fake bib number.

Liao Xingsheng (right) participated in and completed the Meishan Runshou Half Marathon held in Sichuan Province, China, on the 23rd of last month, but it was later revealed that he competed using a 'fake bib number.' Douyin

According to recent reports from Vietnamese media VN Express, Liao Xingsing, a sports influencer active on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, participated and completed the 2025 National Half Marathon Championship held on the 23rd of last month in Renshou County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province, China. However, it was later revealed that he competed using a "fake bib number."

This fact came to light after a whistleblower exposed on Douyin that Liao was wearing the same bib number as another participant following the event.

In the widely circulated video at the time, Liao is seen wearing a pink top and blue pants with the bib number "C4567." Subsequently, suspicions spread that Liao ran with a fake bib number. The controversy grew especially because Liao, a sports influencer with 15,000 followers, frequently posted running videos.

Liao claimed that he received the bib number from a follower and was unaware that it was a duplicated bib number. According to Chinese media VCT News, he stated during a live broadcast, "I think I was deceived by anti-fans."

However, the marathon organizers' investigation confirmed that Liao personally printed the bib number and participated in the event. As a result, the organizers imposed a permanent ban on Liao from this competition. They also reported the incident to the Chinese Athletics Federation (CAF), which can impose additional sanctions.

As public criticism intensified, Liao deleted all videos and comments related to the marathon on his social media accounts and closed his account.

Meanwhile, this marathon is the first Platinum Label race in China recognized by World Athletics and was selected by CAF as a national championship event. Competition to participate in the marathon is fierce; for this event, more than 150,000 applicants applied, and 25,000 of them qualified to participate.