Jumping Fences, the official event producer of the 45th San Francisco Marathon, has officially announced… ‘California’s first-ever non-binary+ division and awards’.
The race festival weekend will take place on July 22-24 in San Francisco, California. According to the event organiser, this latest move comes at a time when numerous anti-LGBTQIA+ legislations are sweeping the US, and other running races are being called on to expand their gender divisions.
As the demographics in the running world evolve, this move by the event organizers is positioned as… ‘a substantial action for gender equity, and it is no surprise that San Franciscans are charging the way.’
“Our 45th San Francisco Marathon is putting inclusion and accessibility at the centre,” said Lauri Abrahamsen, Director of Operations at Jumping Fences.
“We added these divisions and awards to our 45th marathon because it was past time to do so. We hope that this expansion of gender divisions, and our runners with disabilities program, will inspire more people to join the running community and feel that they belong.”
To make the races more accessible and inclusive, the event organizers have expanded gender registration options to include non-binary, trans, and two-spirited. The race weekend also includes a program for runners with disabilities.
Cal Calamia, a local runner, activist for trans and non-binary+ runners, and founder of 2 Hot 4 Hoodies, said “Running is one of the most generous places, and inclusivity is inherent to its culture.
“So we can move past the question of whether or not trans and non-binary people exist and toward the truth, which is that, oh, we do.
“The more space we are given, the more positive change we will make – whether in the form of an increasingly large and competitive field of non-binary+ runners, a more empathetic community, or one more parent deciding to love and support their gender-expansive child.”
Additionally, throughout the race weekend, multiple race options will take place so that any runner level can participate, including the Inaugural Family Lollipop 1k, 5k, 10k, half and full marathon, an ultra race, and virtual runs.
The marathon is sponsored by Capital One Café, Degree, Nella, Garmin, Outside Magazine, Gu, FitBiomic, and more. Various giveaways and awards will be made throughout the weekend, and a percentage of the annual total gross revenue will be donated to a 1% For the Planet approved partner charity.
