Running Influencer Banned for Life from NYC Marathon
A running influencer with nearly half a million followers has faced a significant backlash after participating in the New York City Marathon on Sunday, surrounded by two electric bikes. In a surprising turn of events, he has been permanently banned from the marathon and other events organized by the race’s governing body.
Matt Choi, a former football player, completed the marathon in just under three hours. However, his achievement was overshadowed by the presence of his entourage, who were filming him on rented Citi Bikes. The e-bike riders, clad in high-visibility vests, weaved through the dense crowd of runners, prompting immediate outcry from fellow participants. Videos shared on social media platforms captured the chaos, leading to criticism of Choi’s actions, with one user labeling him as “bad for the sport.”
The New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization responsible for the marathon and other major events in the city, took swift action against Choi. Following an investigation, they determined that he had run the race with the assistance of two unauthorized individuals on electric bicycles, which had obstructed the paths of other runners. In a statement released on Monday, the NYRR announced its decision to impose a lifetime ban on Choi, disqualifying him from the race and removing his results from the official standings.
While Choi did not immediately respond to requests for comment, he later took to Instagram on Tuesday to express his remorse. In his post, he identified the two men as his brother and a videographer, and he offered a heartfelt apology for allowing them to follow him during the race. “I have no excuses, full stop,” he stated. “I was selfish on Sunday.” He acknowledged the consequences of his actions, which included endangering other runners and obstructing access to water stations.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion within the running community about the importance of adhering to race regulations and the impact of individual actions on the sport as a whole.
