London Marathon include non-binary category for 2023 race

Runners entering the ballot for the mass participation race on 23 April 2023 can select the non-binary category for the first time

Runners on The Highway as they take part in the London Marathon at Tower Bridge (Getty Images)

Runners can register as non-binary in next year's TCS London Marathon for the first time.

London Marathon Events (LME) confirmed there will now be three gender options for applicants in the 2023 TCS London Marathon Ballot for the mass participation race, which opens on 1 October, a day before this year’s race.

However, elite athlete races, plus the Championship and Good for Age categories, all of which operate under World Athletics rules, will not offer a non-binary gender option.

The move, which follows this week’s announcement from the Boston Marathon, comes as the iconic race returns to its traditional slot in the calendar on Sunday 23 April for the first time since the Covid pandemic.

LME confirmed the move with the intent "to make the event the most diverse, equitable and inclusive marathon in the world."

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said: “This is a significant step forward for the TCS London Marathon as we continue our journey to make our event truly inclusive," said London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher.

“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.”

The Boston Athletic Association confirmed that non-binary athletes can submit entry applications if they have completed a marathon as a non-binary participant during the current qualifying window.

It is the first step as the BAA work to establish qualifying standards for non-binary participants, with a statement confirming the move as "an opportunity to learn and grow together.”

Non-binary pro miler and 1,500m runner Nikki Hiltz, who came out as transgender last year and narrowly missed a spot on the U.S. team for the Tokyo Olympics, lauded the move.

“There’s still so much work to be done but I’m thrilled that non-binary runners are being acknowledged by the Boston Marathon and BAA,” Hiltz tweeted.

Last year’s Philadelphia Distance Run became the first large race in the United States to create a non-binary division and offer equal prize money.

While the Brooklyn Marathon and Half Marathon followed in April with 82 competitors finishing the race after registering as non-binary participants.