London Marathon Organisers Withdraw Presence from Social Media Platform X
In a move that has sparked debate in the athletics community, the organisers of the London Marathon have announced that they will be withdrawing their presence from social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. According to a statement released by the organisers, the decision was made due to the increasingly toxic and vitriolic nature of conversations taking place on the platform.
“It (the decision) is off the back of just looking at that channel (X) and the vitriol,” a spokesperson for the London Marathon told the BBC. “It was ceasing to be a rational conversation. It was ceasing to be a positive place to be.” This sentiment was echoed by Gerry Brasher, the race director of the London Marathon, who has been involved with the event since its inception in 1981.
As reported by the BBC, Brasher has been at the helm of the London Marathon since 2012 and has a deep understanding of the event’s values and mission. “One of the aims of my father and John was to show that on occasion, the family of humankind could be joyous together and celebrate together,” Brasher said. “That’s what the London Marathon is about. It is a force for good.” The London Marathon’s commitment to promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere is well-documented, and it appears that this ethos was not aligned with the current state of conversations on X.
The decision to withdraw from X comes at a time when the platform, which was bought by South African billionaire Elon Musk for $44bn in 2022, is undergoing significant changes. According to the BBC, the London Marathon organisers felt that the platform no longer shared their values, and therefore, they have decided to come off. This move is seen as a significant blow to the platform, which has been struggling to maintain a positive and respectful community.
The London Marathon is one of the most prestigious athletics events in the world, attracting thousands of runners and spectators every year. This year’s event is aiming to break the world record for the most finishers in a marathon, with more than 56,000 people expected to run. If successful, the event could surpass the 55,646 finishers at last year’s New York Marathon. The London Marathon’s commitment to promoting athletics and community spirit is clear, and it is understood that this decision will not affect the event’s overall success.
The BBC has learned that the London Marathon organisers are committed to engaging with their community through other channels and promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere. As Brasher noted, “We didn’t feel that channel shared those values, and therefore we have come off.” This statement highlights the organisers’ dedication to upholding the values of the London Marathon and promoting a respectful and positive community.
The withdrawal of the London Marathon organisers from X raises questions about the role of social media in promoting athletics and community spirit. As the athletics community continues to evolve, it is clear that events like the London Marathon will play a significant role in shaping the conversation. According to the BBC, the London Marathon organisers’ decision to withdraw from X is a significant development that highlights the challenges faced by social media platforms in maintaining a positive and respectful community.
Reference: BBC Sport – London Marathon
The London Marathon’s decision to withdraw from social media platform X has sparked debate in the athletics community. The organisers have stated that the decision was made due to the increasingly toxic and vitriolic nature of conversations taking place on the platform. The move raises questions about the role of social media in promoting athletics and community spirit.
This article was originally published by BBC Sport.
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