Boston, London Marathons Progress To Allow Nonbinary Runners For Next Races

Think of races, and you’ll undoubtedly come up with the Boston and London marathons, two of the most popular endurance runs in the world. 

Now, in a big step forward for both athletic competitions, runners will be allowed to identify as nonbinary from next year’s races, enabling racers to select male, female, or nonbinary gender options when signing up. 

At Boston Marathon, nonbinary participants will be judged using women’s qualifying times, as there isn’t enough data yet to estimate times set specifically by those identifying as such. Organizers look set to update nonbinary times accordingly for future races. 

However, the Boston Athletic Association clarified that while nonbinary runners could take part in next year’s competition, they will not be eligible for the prize money, as participants in professional divisions have to identify as either male or female in accordance with international sporting regulations. 

As for London Marathon, runners will be able to select from the three gender choices for the mass race, but the elite athlete races, Championship, and Good For Age categories—which operate under World Athletics rules—will remain closed to racers who are nonbinary. 

“This is a significant step forward for the TCS London Marathon as we continue our journey to make our event truly inclusive,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon. 

“We know there is still much more to be done, but changes such as this demonstrate our commitment to making the TCS London Marathon an event that is for everyone,” he added. 

Boston Marathon is set to take place on April 17, 2023, while London Marathon is scheduled for April 23, 2023. 

[via NPR and LGBTQ Nation, cover image via Marcos Souza | Dreamstime.com]