Alexa Curtis, a popular social media figure, has been criticized for tweeting a photo of herself finishing the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon even though she hadn’t registered for the event.
The 26-year-old Curtis donated $150 to Tucks Travels, a charity “cause partner” sponsoring the event, and confessed to running the marathon unprepared. Because registration fees cover expenses like course assistance (security, emergency responders, water and Gatorade throughout the course, and awards at the finish line), “banditting” is a very contentious topic among runners. In addition, a percentage of the registration fee usually goes to a good cause.
With NYU Langone Health as its “signature charity partner” in the battle to eliminate cancer inequalities in Brooklyn, the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half, which ended at Prospect Park after navigating under the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges, is making strides in this important cause. With ticket prices ranging from $125 and above, the event was a smashing success, raising an estimated 300,000 dollars. The official tally for Sunday’s 13.1-mile marathon was more than 21,700 participants.
Curtis spoke up about her intentions: she was running the marathon for her mental health, not to steal from anybody or the competition. If she ever wants to run again, she will research the regulations thoroughly.
The publicist for Curtis said that her client “decided last minute to participate in the Brooklyn Half.” She said that her decision not to sign up was not deliberate; rather, her participation was an attempt to use her position to raise awareness about the Brooklyn Half and the value of physical activity, mental health, and the mind-body connection.
A statement was also provided by NYCRUNS saying that a record number of competitors participated in this marathon.
Curtis, a native of Connecticut, established Be Fearless Inc., a “reinvented career brand” that empowers individuals to face their fears and take charge of their own lives. In addition to her 23,300 Instagram followers, she has 13,100 on X.m.