Matt Choi, a prominent fitness influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, has been banned for life from all future New York City Marathon events. The ban comes after Choi was found to have violated race regulations by using two electric bikes, driven by his brother and a videographer, to accompany and film him during the marathon. According to Daily Mail, the bikes not only aided Choi's performance but also disrupted the crowded course, interfering with other runners. His finish time of 2:57:15 has since been disqualified, and his actions have stirred intense debate about influencer culture in competitive sports.
New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that organises the marathon, issued an official statement on November 4. The NYRR stated that Choi's use of electric bikes directly violated World Athletics rules as well as NYRR's Code of Conduct. "After a review and due to violations of World Athletics rules and NYRR's Code of Conduct, Matt Choi has been disqualified from the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon and banned from any future NYRR races," NYRR explained. Choi responded on Instagram, accepting his ban and admitting to his poor judgment, saying, "E-bikes don't belong in races. I was selfish & take full accountability for my actions," according to Runner's World.
Choi's Apology and Career Repercussions
After admitting to the violations, Choi expressed remorse and acknowledged the disruption he caused to other runners. In an Instagram post, he admitted, "I was selfish on Sunday. I apologise to all the runners impacted." Despite his admission, the controversy has affected Choi's career as an influencer; according to Runner's World, sportswear company Runna, a major sponsor of his, has dropped him from their partnership.
Choi has a history of pushing the boundaries in races. He gained a following by posting inspiring running videos and fitness tips, leveraging his influence to create content that resonates with the running community. However, his willingness to bend the rules for content has landed him in trouble before.
A Controversial Past: Houston Marathon Bib Scandal
This isn't Choi's first infraction in the marathon world. According to Marathon Investigation, Choi previously sparked outrage by running the Houston Marathon while wearing someone else's bib number, a practice known as "bib mulling." He was not officially registered for the race but wore a bib assigned to another runner, potentially depriving the rightful participant of a Boston Marathon qualifying time. His unofficial finish time of 2:59:35 placed him among the faster runners, and he openly boasted about the achievement on social media, prompting backlash from the marathon community.
Per Marathon Investigation, the use of a borrowed bib raised questions of fairness and integrity in competitive running. Bib mulling, which violates race policies, is typically done to secure spots in future races or to help someone qualify by proxy. In Choi's case, his actions were viewed as a way to gain personal recognition without adhering to the race's rules.
Choi's Side of the Story
In a TikTok video addressing the bib scandal, Choi explained that he had overlooked his registration and missed the official sign-up for the Houston Marathon. Three weeks before the race, he reached out to a friend in Atlanta who provided him with an extra bib. "I had so much going on, I forgot to sign up," Choi admitted, adding that he realised bib transfers were prohibited but still chose to race. Despite his explanation, critics viewed his actions as another instance of disregarding race rules for personal gain.
Choi continued to face accusations of cheating and using his platform for self-promotion, rather than respecting the competitive spirit of marathons. Nevertheless, he claimed he would rather "die on my own sword" than let the negative perceptions define him, taking responsibility for his past actions.
Backlash from the Running Community
Choi's behaviour has sparked significant criticism from fellow runners and marathon enthusiasts, who argue that his actions show a lack of respect for the sport. Comments on Choi's Instagram posts reveal frustration from the running community, with one user writing, "The disrespect for other runners is disgusting." Others criticised his disregard for rules, especially in an event as prestigious as the New York City Marathon.
Discussions about Choi's conduct have also gained traction on online forums, including Reddit and LetsRun, where users shared accounts of witnessing the electric bikes obstructing the race route. NYRR's strict rules prohibit unauthorised vehicles on the course to ensure safety and fair play, and every year, participants are reminded of these policies.
Influencer Culture and the Integrity of Competitive Sports
The incident has intensified the conversation around influencer culture and its impact on competitive events. Many view Choi's actions as an example of how social media influencers sometimes prioritise content creation over the integrity of the events they participate in. According to Runner's World, Choi stated, "I don't even think running is my job. I am a creator first and then I run," highlighting the influence-driven approach that has now led to his lifetime ban.
Ultimately, Matt Choi's ban from future NYRR events serves as a cautionary tale for influencers and athletes alike. His actions underscore the importance of respecting the rules and values of competitive sports, especially as social media increasingly intersects with athletic pursuits. As marathons and other sporting events work to maintain integrity, Choi's case reveals the tensions that arise when influencers push the boundaries of traditional rules.
