Running News Daily

Nonbinary Philadelphia Marathon runners can now compete for non-elite open division awards

The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Marathon Weekend organizers announced prize money and awards will be given to nonelite and elite nonbinary athletes this year.

The start of the 30th annual Philadelphia Marathon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. Men’s winner Benard Kiptoo Koech is wearing bib #3 at center., the Philadelphia Marathon will continue to follow their national governing body guidelines that excludes nonbinary participants from elite runner awards.

However, organizers have announced new prize opportunities for non-elite runners in all gender divisions.

Previously, only the “first Philadelphian” and the “first Masters” were awarded prize money across genders. The new policy will allow all non-elite runners, including nonbinary participants, to sign up as their authentic selves and compete for prize money as top finishers in the full marathon, half marathon, and 8K races.

Organizers are also implementing a “face-value approach” to monitoring all gender categories, allowing runners to select their gender identity without additional documentation.In previous years, open division runners did not have to provide evidence as no prizes were awarded. Elite-level runners, however, must still provide supporting evidence such as ID verification and drug testing for testosterone and hormone levels, in line with USA Track & Field guidelines.

Elite participants, who are at the top of their field, receive free registration, prime starting positions, and may be eligible for complimentary travel, hotel accommodations, and larger prize purses. Runners qualify as elite by meeting standard times set for their division in previous races. Prize money for elite runners can reach several thousand dollars.