NYC Marathon Disqualifies Influencer for Interfering with Other Runners

A well-known Korean running influencer, Matthew Choi, has been permanently banned from participating in the ‌New York ‍City ​Marathon. According to Runner’s World, Choi ⁢was disqualified from the NYC Marathon held on⁢ November⁤ 3rd.

The organizer, New York ⁢Road Runners (NYRR), announced that Choi would be⁣ permanently banned from participating in future marathons due to interfering⁣ with other runners. NYRR⁣ stated that while‍ Choi was running, two unauthorized people filmed him while riding an electric bicycle, disturbing other runners.

Choi, a 29-year-old from⁣ Austin, Texas, works as a running influencer and has a large following on social media platforms, including over 465,000 followers on TikTok and 405,000 followers on​ Instagram. He gained fame for ⁢running​ shirtless ​and wearing a baseball cap backwards.

In response to the disqualification, Choi posted an apology on Instagram, admitting his mistake and⁣ taking full responsibility for his actions. He stated that having his brother​ and a photographer follow him on an electric bike was a selfish act that put other runners in danger and disrupted those aiming for a personal best.

Choi ⁣also mentioned that this‌ was not the first time he had been criticized for using an electric bicycle to shoot content, but he would end the⁤ practice now. He added that he had no excuses‍ for his actions and acknowledged that it was all his fault.

Despite⁢ setting a good record of 2 hours, 57 minutes, and 15 seconds, Choi’s result was invalidated by​ NYRR’s decision. His average speed of 6 minutes and 44 seconds per⁣ mile⁢ was impressive, but ultimately did not count due to the disqualification.

Choi’s past ⁣performances, including a time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 26 seconds at the Brooklyn⁢ Half Marathon last May, demonstrate his running abilities. However, his actions during the NYC Marathon led to his permanent ban from participating in⁣ future NYRR-hosted competitions.