Influencer Alexa Curtis recently faced backlash after participating unregistered in the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon and then boasting about her performance online. Curtis, who has a significant following on social media, admitted to joining the race without officially signing up, stating she simply asked security for the start and end points before jumping in.
The incident, which Curtis shared on her X account (formerly Twitter), quickly garnered criticism for what is known in the running community as “banditing.” Banditing refers to participating in a race without registering, which is frowned upon because registration fees contribute to the costs of organizing the event, including security, medical support, and amenities for runners.
Curtis’s actions sparked a debate on social media, with many pointing out that her participation was unfair to those who paid the entry fee, which supports not only the race logistics but also contributes to charity. The NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon had a registration cost of $125 and up, with part of the proceeds going to NYU Langone Health as its signature charity partner to aid in cancer research in Brooklyn.
In response to the criticism, Curtis posted a statement online, clarifying her intentions were to promote physical fitness and mental health through her platform, not to detract from the event or its charitable purpose. She emphasized that her run was intended to be inspirational, reflecting on her personal challenges over the past year. Despite her intentions, Curtis acknowledged the controversy and later made a $150 donation to Tucks Travels, a nonprofit associated with the event.
Curtis’s participation and subsequent public responses highlight the ongoing issues surrounding informal participation in organized events and the ethical considerations of using such platforms for personal promotion without proper adherence to established rules.