A Texas-based running influencer has been disqualified from the New York City Marathon and banned from participating in future NYC running events after being recorded running part of the race with e-bikes accompanying him.
Matthew Choi, from Austin, was removed from the results of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday following a review by New York Road Runners (NYRR). The organization stated that his actions violated World Athletics rules and the NYRR Code of Conduct and Rules of Competition.
Choi ran with two unauthorized individuals on electric bicycles, which obstructed other participants on the course. NYRR emphasized that this behavior endangered runners and disrupted the race.
In a video posted on social media Tuesday, Choi, who has 404,000 Instagram followers and over 465,000 TikTok followers, issued an apology. “I messed up. There’s no excuse, full stop,” he said. “I was selfish to have my brother and videographer follow me on e-bikes, and it had serious consequences.” He acknowledged the impact of his actions on other runners, including blocking access to water and interfering with those chasing personal bests.
Choi admitted that his excitement about attempting a sub-3-hour marathon led to poor judgment. He also confirmed he received an email on Monday informing him of his disqualification and lifetime ban. Although he has the option to appeal, Choi stated he wouldn’t, adding, “I made my bed, so I’m going to lay in it.”
This isn’t the first time Choi has been criticized for using e-bikes to film content, but he pledged to stop the practice. On Monday, he had posted an Instagram reel celebrating his race with a time of 2:57:15, averaging a pace of 6:44 per mile.
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