Matt Choi: Influencer and runner Matt Choi has been disqualified from the New York City Marathon after reportedly breaking multiple rules, sparking outrage from fellow participants. Choi, a 29-year-old influencer from Austin, Texas, initially completed the marathon on November 3 in an impressive time of 2:57:15. However, his use of two unauthorized e-bikes trailing him for filming purposes led to his official removal from the race results by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization behind the iconic event.

The NYRR released a statement on November 4, detailing that Choi’s disqualification was due to violations of both World Athletics regulations and the organization’s own strict rules against outside assistance. Their rules clearly state that no unofficial pacers or unregistered participants are allowed to support runners during the race, and e-bikes are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. According to the statement, Choi’s actions obstructed other marathon participants, with numerous complaints emerging on Reddit and the popular LetsRun forum. Some runners claimed that the e-bikes blocked access to water stations, forcing them to miss hydration points on the challenging 26.2-mile course. One runner recalled missing water due to the e-bikes cutting across the station, an incident that further fueled the backlash.

Choi, who has gained a large following on TikTok and Instagram, often shares his running experiences online, describing himself as a “creator first and then a runner.” His social media content showcases a unique style, running shirtless with a backward cap, and has drawn both fans and critics over the years. This isn’t the first time Choi has faced controversy in his running career. In 2023, he admitted to wearing another person’s bib during the Houston Marathon, a rule violation that he later apologized for.

The NYC Marathon incident has amplified criticism of Choi’s racing conduct. Comments on his Instagram posts have been largely negative, with users accusing him of disrespecting the marathon community and calling out his support crew for interfering with other runners. One post read, “The disrespect for other runners is disgusting. Get your ‘film crew’ off the course.”

In response, NYRR emphasized that Choi has the option to appeal the disqualification decision. However, the organization’s decisive response appears to be an attempt to reaffirm its commitment to the integrity of marathon racing.

As the controversy continues, many in the running community are calling for NYRR to reinforce regulations around course support and media access, especially concerning influencers who leverage race events for content creation.

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