Non-binary athletes will be able to run in next year’s Boston Marathon without having to register as a member of the men’s or women’s divisions, race organizers announced Monday.
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA), which organizes the prestigious marathon, reported that it has been working to expand opportunities for non-binary people, not only for the marathon, but for the association’s other races, which include a 5 and 10 kilometer and a half marathon.
Organizers confirmed the change as registration opened on Monday for the 127th edition of the marathon, to be held on April 17, 2023. Some 30,000 people are expected to turn out for next spring’s edition of the famous race.
Non-binary athletes can submit their entry applications if they have completed a marathon as a non-binary participant during the current qualification window, the BAA said. He noted that he is still working to establish qualification standards for non-binary entrants, but that his online applications will include “non-binary” as a gender option.
“Discussions are ongoing with non-binary athletes in an effort to further promote inclusion at all BAA events,” the organization said, adding: “We see this first year as an opportunity to learn and grow together. ”
The Boston Marathon is the latest major marathon to start adding non-binary divisions.
Last year, the Philadelphia distance race, a premier event offering a half marathon and a 5K, became the first major race in America to establish a non-binary division and offer the same number of awards.
The Brooklyn Marathon and Half Marathon followed in April. Eighty-two competitors who had signed up as non-binary participants were among the finalists.