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4mo ago

London Marathon Upholds Mass-Race Inclusion and Boycotts X Over Abuse Concerns

Organizers confirm self-identification for mass participants, restrict elite races to birth-sex females, and await regulatory guidance following UK Supreme Court ruling.

Fun runners compete near the Houses of Parliament during the 2024 London Marathon in central London on April 21, 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / "Restricted to editorial use - sponsorship of content subject to LMEL agreement". (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - April 21, 2024 General view of the participants in action as the Shard is seen during the marathon REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Athletes run past Guildhall during the Women's Marathon on day three of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 on August 6, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The London Marathon will allow transgender runners to self-identify their gender in the mass participation event but restrict elite, championship, and good-for-age categories to athletes born female under World Athletics rules.
  • Organizers have permanently ceased posting on Elon Musk's social media platform X, citing its toxic environment and a misalignment with the marathon's values of positivity and unity.
  • The UK Supreme Court recently clarified that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' under the Equality Act refer to biological sex, influencing the marathon's policies on competitive categories.
  • Event director Hugh Brasher stated that any future changes to transgender participation policies will depend on detailed reports expected this summer from the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Sport England.
  • The marathon, which attracts over 56,000 runners annually and raises millions for charity, continues to emphasize inclusivity while maintaining competitive fairness in line with legal and regulatory frameworks.