Runner completes marathon in under three hours with two cameramen on electronic bikes causing obstruction.
In a recent incident at the New York City Marathon, a popular running influencer with a substantial following of almost 500,000 on social media faced a lifetime ban from the event and other races organized by the same group. The influencer, Matt Choi, a former football player, attracted attention during the marathon by being accompanied by two individuals on electronic bikes who were filming him as he ran the course in under three hours.
The presence of the e-bike riders caused an uproar among other runners on the crowded course, with videos circulating on social media showing the riders weaving through the runners on rented Citi Bikes. This behavior led to criticism of Mr. Choi, with some calling him “bad for the sport.” New York Road Runners, the organization behind the marathon and other major races in the city, took swift action by banning Mr. Choi for life after determining that he had received unauthorized assistance from the two individuals on electric bicycles, who had disrupted other runners.
In a statement released on Monday, New York Road Runners announced the ban on Mr. Choi, citing violations of World Athletics rules, the organization’s code of conduct, and competition rules. Additionally, Mr. Choi was disqualified from the marathon, and his results were nullified. While Mr. Choi did not comment immediately on the ban, he later issued an apology on his Instagram page, acknowledging his mistake in allowing his brother and a videographer to accompany him during the race. He admitted to being selfish and expressed regret for endangering other runners and obstructing access to water stations.
The incident involving Matt Choi at the New York City Marathon serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of following race rules and maintaining the integrity of competitive events. Running influencers and participants alike should prioritize fair play, respect for fellow runners, and adherence to event guidelines to ensure a positive and safe experience for all involved.
Source: The NY Times
