Running influencer Matt Choi, with over half a million followers, was disqualified from the New York City Marathon and banned from future New York Road Runners (NYRR) events after unauthorized e-bikes filmed him during the November 3 race.
The e-bikes, carrying Choi’s brother and a videographer, violated NYRR rules and obstructed other runners. Choi, 29, initially finished the marathon in 2:57:15 before NYRR voided his results, citing violations of World Athletics standards and their Code of Conduct.
Following his disqualification, Choi publicly apologized on Instagram, acknowledging the impact on fellow participants. “I have no excuses, full stop,” he said in the video. “I was selfish on Sunday to have my brother and videographer follow me on e-bikes, and it had serious consequences.” He added, “We endangered other runners, impacted people going for personal bests, and blocked access to water.”
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In his video, Choi accepted full responsibility and confirmed that he would not appeal the ban. In his caption, he further expressed remorse, stating, “E-bikes don’t belong in races. No excuses. I was selfish & took full accountability of my actions. I apologize to all the runners impacted, and I accept my DQ & lifetime ban. Never again.”
Choi’s use of e-bikes has previously sparked criticism. During the 2023 Austin Marathon, he similarly faced backlash for filming with e-bikes on the course. Acknowledging his past actions, he pledged, “That stops here; it won’t happen again.”
Known for his achievements in running, Choi’s recent NYC Marathon performance saw him average a 6:46 per mile pace. However, repeated rule-breaking has drawn scrutiny from the running community.
Online forums like Reddit echoed the frustration of runners affected by his entourage, with videos posted showing the e-bikes impeding the flow of participants.
Choi is the worst kind of shirt off running influencer. He doesn’t inspire a respectful attitude toward running, he is all “me me me look at me”. His behaviour with the e-bikes, the filming, the use of “guide” places before running away from the person he was guiding stinks. We think he should get in the bin.
And apparently Runna denied knowing anything about his antics. Odd that, given the owner of Runna ran NYC with him.