London Marathon to offer non-binary gender option to make event “truly inclusive”

Elite races at the London Marathon will still operate under the World Athletics rules but the change for the mass-participation race has been changed following an extensive review

The London Marathon is, for the first time, to offer a non-binary gender option for the mass-participation race.

The ballot for next year’s race, which takes place in April, opens on October 1 and marathon bosses are determined to make their event “truly inclusive”.

The elite races will still operate under World Athletics rules and therefore not offer a non-binary gender option. The change is being introduced following an extensive review and consultation period as part of a mission to make the event the “most diverse, equitable and inclusive marathon in the world”.

The three gender options (male, female and non-binary) will be offered to all participants registering for the mass participation element of the TCS London Marathon via other entry routes, including charity entries.

Race boss Hugh Brasher said: “This is a significant step forward for the TCS London Marathon as we continue our journey to make our event truly inclusive.

“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.”

This year’s event is fast approaching, as the world famous marathon takes place on Sunday, October 2. The race traditionally takes place in April but an October date has been selected for the second year in a row due to the knock-on impact of the Covid pandemic disruption.

The timings for this year’s London Marathon are yet to be confirmed 2022 but the mass participation race normally sets off from 9.30am, with elite and wheelchair races setting off at staggered times from 8.30am.

The iconic route takes in many of London’s best-known landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben. The route then sweeps in front of Buckingham Palace for the iconic finish line on The Mall.

As usual, the marathon will be broadcast across the BBC on the day with full scheduling to be confirmed soon.