# Tesla used the annual race as a marketing opportunity.

*robotics · news · 2026-04-20 · Benzinga*

## Key points

- Honor's 'Lightning' robot finished a half marathon in 50:26, beating both humans and previous robot records.
- Tesla used the Boston Marathon for Optimus marketing, not as a physical test like Chinese competitors.
- Four humanoid robots, all from Honor, finished under one hour, sweeping the half marathon podium.
- Tesla plans annual production of up to one million Optimus units at the Fremont factory.

**Companies:** Tesla, Honor
**Countries:** United States, China

[Read the full story on Benzinga](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/26/04/51927339/tesla-brings-optimus-to-boston-marathon-but-chinas-robots-are-the-ones-winning-races)

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