Social media influencer Alexa Curtis faced backlash after posting herself crossing the finish line of the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon without signing up for the race. In her apology on X, she stated that the post was meant to be inspirational and acknowledged that she had not intended to offend anyone. Curtis admitted to banditing the race, running without registering, which is controversial as race entry fees go towards various essentials like security, medical staff, hydration, and charity contributions. The Brooklyn Half Marathon’s funds support NYU Langone Healthy as its signature charity partner.
In her post, Curtis shared her experience of running the race and the personal struggles she has been facing. She described how she joined the race by simply asking security where it started and ended, highlighting the idea of fearlessness in confronting life’s challenges. However, critics accused her of stealing from the race and charity, expressing disappointment in her actions. Curtis defended herself by recounting a recent business loss and emphasizing the positive impact her Be Fearless organization has on inspiring young women to be fearless despite her personal setbacks.
Curtis’s publicist clarified that she decided last minute to participate in the Brooklyn Half Marathon as a way to promote physical activity and share awareness of the event through her platform. The publicist also noted that Curtis is visiting from overseas, adding context to her involvement in the race. NYCRUNS, the organizers of the race, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of runner safety and the necessity of bibs for identifying participants in case of medical emergencies. Running in a race without a bib not only poses a risk to the individual but also undermines the fairness of the event for registered participants.
Originally from Connecticut, Curtis founded Be Fearless Inc., a brand focused on empowering individuals to take charge of their lives. With a considerable following on X and Instagram, she aims to inspire others to be fearless in pursuing their goals. The controversy surrounding her participation in the Brooklyn Half Marathon has sparked debates about ethics in running events and the responsibilities of participants to adhere to registration guidelines. Despite the negative backlash, Curtis’s intention to spread positivity and encourage physical activity remains a core aspect of her personal brand.
