STATEMENT FROM FRNY

On January 23rd, 2024, Front Runners New York (FRNY) leadership met with representatives from NYRR to call for changes to the prize money policy in the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon. FRNY has advocated for, and stands by, the ability for all non-binary runners to compete authentically in the non-binary category in road running, and for equitable access to prize money availability, race registration, qualification standards, and recognition. 

While New York Road Runners (NYRR) has implemented equitable prize money for non-binary individuals in the NYRR Member Category across all of its races, there is no prize money pool for the overall non-binary division winners in the TCS NYC Marathon, leading to the lack of equitable prize money accessibility. FRNY, along with many other advocates, has worked with NYRR over the past two years to develop a non-binary division in the many local New York races NYRR organizes. 

While NYRR was unable to share their next steps during the January 23rd call, FRNY commits to continued dialogue and accountability with NYRR regarding their non-binary racing policy for the 2024 TCS Marathon and beyond. FRNY calls on NYRR to include Open Division prize money for the non-binary category, in addition to the NYRR Member Division, to ensure all top finishers have an equitable opportunity for prize money. FRNY plans to reconnect with NYRR in the coming weeks to continue moving the conversation forward. 

Importantly, FRNY also acknowledges the need for other World Marathon Major races to provide equitable access for non-binary runners. 

• Currently, the Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon, and London Marathon do not provide any prize money to any non-binary athletes. 

• The Berlin Marathon does not accept any non-binary qualifying standards, recently denying entry to a non-binary FRNY athlete who ran a time that would have qualified the athlete in both the Berlin Men’s and Women’s division. 

• The Tokyo Marathon does not have a non-binary category. 

• Non-binary division winners are often left off of podium placements and announcements, where they should be highlighted equitably with other division winners.

Front Runners New York calls on all races to implement a non-binary category so that non-binary runners may run authentically, and to create equitable access to prize money, registration, qualifying standards, and recognition. 

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Front Runners New York is a running and multisport team for LGBTQIA+ athletes and allies. FRNY is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the state of New York. FRNY aims to be a voice of inclusivity in sports, and will continue to fight for the equity and inclusion of our members, and all athletes, in sport.