Androids To Run In World's 1st Robot Marathon

TOKYO (AP) - A technology company is organizing the world's first marathon for robots in Japan, a country known for its love of gizmos.

So far, five robots have entered the event, expected to last four days next week. Organizer Vstone Co. said Wednesday that five it will demonstrate the machines' durability and maneuverability.

The "Robo Mara Full" race kicks off Feb. 24 and is open only to androids with two legs. The robots must complete 422 laps around a 110-yard (100-meter) indoor racetrack to cover 26 miles (42 kilometers). Survivors of the nonstop race - except for battery changes and repairs - are expected to hit the finish line on Feb. 27, when their human counterparts run in the popular Tokyo marathon.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TOKYO (AP) - A technology company is organizing the world's first marathon for robots in Japan, a country known for its love of gizmos.

So far, five robots have entered the event, expected to last four days next week. Organizer Vstone Co. said Wednesday that five it will demonstrate the machines' durability and maneuverability.

The "Robo Mara Full" race kicks off Feb. 24 and is open only to androids with two legs. The robots must complete 422 laps around a 110-yard (100-meter) indoor racetrack to cover 26 miles (42 kilometers). Survivors of the nonstop race - except for battery changes and repairs - are expected to hit the finish line on Feb. 27, when their human counterparts run in the popular Tokyo marathon.