PHILADELPHIA, PA — The City of Philadelphia and race organizers have announced an expansion of their gender diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives for the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. These efforts aim to increase access, opportunity, and representation for underrepresented LGBTQIA+ athletes.
This year, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is making a significant move towards inclusivity with enhancements for non-binary athletes and the creation of safe spaces throughout the event. Official race merchandise will be displayed in a gender-neutral way by style, and equal prize money will be awarded to elite competitors, aligned with the policies of USA Track and Field (USATF).
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend introduced the non-binary category for all races in 2022. Building on this initiative, prizes and awards at the non-elite level for all 2023 races will be equally distributed across three gender categories of competition.
The Marathon Weekend will also offer all-gender restrooms at both indoor and outdoor events, including the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Health and Expo located inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, along the race course and at the finish line.
New additions include all-gender changing areas and private lactation stations for chestfeeding athletes at the finish line along the race course. These areas will be monitored throughout the race weekend by security personnel who have undergone sensitivity training.
Looking ahead to 2024, officials plan to expand these initiatives further by broadening the inclusive language in the official Philadelphia Marathon Weekend merchandise, replacing gender-based labels with more inclusive description-based labels.
Deputy Managing Director Dave Wilson said, “We are dedicated to creating and preserving a safe space for all race participants, their families, and race staff.” He thanked Race Director and Running USA Board President Kathleen Titus and Lauren Lubin April of April Haus, Inc. for their contributions in making Philadelphia Marathon Weekend more inclusive.
Lauren Lubin April, founder of April Haus, Inc., a consulting company that specializes in building innovative, integrative, and sustainable systems Beyond the Binary, has been instrumental in this initiative. With over 10 years of expertise in nonbinary and transgender advancement in sports and health, Lauren expressed excitement over this partnership, stating, “This partnership is a testament to the spirit of Philadelphia and a shared commitment to be at the forefront of inclusivity and progress.”
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, now in its 30th year, has grown from a small local event with just 1,500 participants in 1994 to one of the top 10 marathons in the country. The course guides participants through centuries of history and architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic views throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River.
Race Weekend 2023 will feature the AACR Philadelphia Marathon, the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and Nemours Children’s Run, and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo.
For more information on these changes and the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com.
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