Press Release
For Immediate Release
Matthew Bovee Brunken, Matthew Brunken
An Open Letter to the Nebraska Running Community
Dear Nebraska Running Community,
I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude. For many years, I have been a proud member of this community—a community that thrives on the principles of belonging, diversity, and mutual support. The bonds we share through our love of running are unique and irreplaceable, and it is in this spirit that I reach out to you.
Recently, I have been the target of cyberbullying by members of our running community. As an adult male and an elite athlete, it is embarrassing to admit that I have become a victim of cyberbullying. This experience has been deeply hurtful, not only to me personally but to the fabric of our tight-knit group. Our running community is better than this. We are a group that lifts each other up, celebrates each other's successes, and provides support through our challenges.
I want to assure you that the matter is being taken seriously. The police are currently investigating it as a crime, and a civil lawsuit has been filed. Preliminary search warrants and subpoenas reveal that this attack began with an individual in Travis County, Texas known to law enforcement. Members of the Nebraska running community willfully cooperated with the attack even after learning of the criminal and malicious intent behind the attacks.
This was never a path I wanted to take, but it has become necessary to address the severity of the situation and to prevent such behavior from gaining a foothold in our community. Social media platforms like Strava, which we use to share our running achievements and connect with each other, can unfortunately also be misused as tools for harassment and bullying. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and ensure that these platforms are used to support and encourage one another, rather than to harm.
While I am committed to keeping communication open, I must preserve some details at the request of law enforcement and my attorneys. It is important to me that we address cyberbullying head-on while striving to maintain the unity that makes our community special. I have only love and respect for the Nebraska running community, and my hope is that we can emerge from this stronger and more united.
Let us use this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to each other. Let's continue to be a community where every runner feels safe, valued, and respected. Together, we can ensure that our running community remains a place of positivity and support.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Matthew Brunken