Fitness Influencer Yuanyuan Sun Disqualified for Cheating at Berlin Marathon, CBC Reports

Yuanyuan Sun Disqualified From Berlin Marathon After Riding a Bike

Fitness influencer Yuanyuan Sun was disqualified from the Berlin Marathon after an image surfaced showing her hitching a ride on the back of a bicycle during the race, according to the CBC. Sun completed the September 27 race in 4 hours, 53 minutes, and 46 seconds. However, the Official Marathon Time Integrity Unit noted on Instagram that her fastest split occurred precisely during the stretch when she was spotted on the two-wheeler.

The 30-year-old content creator operates under the handle Abeeeer on the social media platform RedNote, where she maintains a following of 520,000 users. Following the disqualification, Sun published an apology admitting to the infraction and stating that she felt unwell during the event. She wrote in Chinese, as translated by the CBC, that taking a shortcut breached the core principles of marathon running.

My behavior to take a shortcut was disrespectful to the spirit of the marathon, Sun wrote, adding that she intentionally concealed the shortcut during subsequent public posts. That was a truly dishonest behavior.

Sponsorship Termination and Historical Precedents of Marathon Cheating

The fallout extended beyond race disqualification as sportswear brand Brooks China severed ties with the influencer. Sun wore the company’s apparel and footwear during the event.

Upon verifying the facts, Brooks China immediately terminated its relationship with the influencer and publicly reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to integrity, fairness, and the spirit of running, a brand spokesperson told The Athletic.

A fellow marathon participant captured the photograph of Sun on the bicycle and submitted the evidence directly to the Official Marathon Time Integrity Unit, according to the unit’s chief integrity officer. Meanwhile, a Berlin Marathon spokesperson declined to comment on Sun’s individual case when contacted by the CBC, noting generally that race organizers review fraud cases to decide on appropriate measures and, where necessary, impose further sanctions.

The incident draws comparisons to historical marathon infractions, most notably Rosie Ruiz. Witnesses reported that Ruiz cheated during the 1979 New York City Marathon to secure a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, which she won in 1980 and was said to have cheated in also.

Marathon Disqualification Details

• Infraction: Riding on the back of a bicycle during the race course.
• Official Time: 4:53:46 recorded at the finish line.
• Event Date: September 27, 2026.
• Platform and Following: RedNote, 520,000 followers.