The New York City Marathon has disqualified a running influencer, Matthew Choi, from participating in the race and any future events. This decision came after he ran the marathon with the help of two cameramen on electric bikes.

The event organizers, New York Road Runners, announced that Choi has received a lifetime ban.

According to New York Road Runners, “One of the issues raised was that Choi had two unauthorized individuals on electric bikes accompanying him on the race course, which obstructed other runners.”

Choi, who has nearly 500,000 followers online, completed the race in 2:57:15 but was disqualified, and his race time has been wiped from the records.

The organization stated that Choi broke both World Athletics rules and their own competition guidelines.

A former football player at Monmouth University, Choi utilized the e-bike riders to film his running experience. However, many other runners voiced their frustrations, claiming that Choi and the bikes were obstructive and disruptive during the race. Over 55,000 participants successfully finished the 26.2-mile race held across five boroughs on Sunday.

Choi acknowledged his wrongdoing on social media, stating, “I have no excuses, full-stop. I was inconsiderate on Sunday by having my brother and my videographer follow me on e-bikes, and it resulted in serious outcomes.”

He added, “The New York City Marathon should be centered around the community, but I made it about myself. To anyone affected, I apologize. This was entirely my fault.”

“I take full responsibility,” Choi remarked. “I promise this won’t happen again; my word stands.”