In a win! Nonbinary category to be included in Boston and London’s 2023 marathon

The 2023 Boston Marathon and the 2023 TCS London Marathon organisers said racers will be able to enter as male, female, or nonbinary—a word used by some people who do not fall into the gender classifications of man or woman.

“A truly inclusive marathon provides space for every runner to register, compete and be celebrated exactly as they are,” said Joanna Hoffman, spokesperson for Athlete Ally, a group that advocates for LGBTQI+ equality in sports.

“Including a nonbinary category in the Boston and London Marathons, following the New York Marathon’s prior adoption, is a critical step forward. No runner should be forced to participate in a category that does not match their identity,” Hoffman added.

The London Marathon will provide racers joining the general participation segment with three gender options, but there will be no nonbinary gender options in the elite athlete events, Championship, and Good For Age categories.

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

“We realise there is still much more to be done,” Brasher continued, “but measures like this illustrate our commitment to making the TCS London Marathon an event for everyone.”

Boston and London have joined other marathons, such as the New York Marathon, in offering nonbinary gender options.

Globally, there has been a drive for more gender inclusiveness in sports, and some sporting organisations are adopting the changes by implementing laws on how transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-nonconforming people can compete.