The initiative includes enhancements for non-binary athletes along with creating safe spaces throughout Philadelphia Marathon Weekend events

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia and race organizers of the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend are excited to announce an expansion of gender diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives for this year’s race. The efforts focus on increasing access, opportunity, and representation for underrepresented LGBTQIA+ athletes. These efforts include official race merchandise displayed in a gender-neutral way by style, and equal prize money for elite competitors in accordance with the policies of the national governing body, USA Track and Field (USATF).

Last year, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend introduced the non-binary category for all races over the course of the weekend. 

This year, all prizes and awards at the non-elite level for all 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend races will be equally distributed across the three gender categories of competition.

Once again, Philadelphia Marathon Weekend will offer all-gender restrooms at both its indoor and outdoor events. All-gender restrooms will be available at the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Health and Expo located inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, along the race course and at the finish line for all weekend events.

Two additions to look for this year are the all-gender changing areas and the private lactation stations for chestfeeding athletes that will be located at the finish line along the race course. These areas will be monitored throughout the race weekend by security who have gone through sensitivity training to ensure that they remain a safe space for all participants. 

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend officials are already focusing on maintaining and expanding these initiatives to 2024, with the addition of broadening the inclusive language in the official Philadelphia Marathon Weekend merchandise. This change will be reflected by replacing gender-based labels with more inclusive description-based labels. 

For this year, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Health and Fitness Expo will reorganize official race merchandise in a more gender-expansive way focusing on product style and fit rather than gender.

“We are dedicated to creating and preserving a safe space for all race participants, their families, and race staff,” said Deputy Managing Director Dave Wilson. “I want to thank our Race Director and Running USA Board President Kathleen Titus and Lauren Lubin April of April Haus, Inc. for their efforts in helping Philadelphia Marathon Weekend become a more informed and inclusive race.”

Race organizers invested in outside consultation from Lauren Lubin April, founder of April Haus, Inc., a consulting company that specializes in building innovative, integrative, and sustainable systems Beyond the Binary. Lauren is a diversity, equity, and belonging advisor with more than 10 years of expertise in nonbinary and transgender advancement in sports and health.

“I am thrilled to partner with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend to bring more significant equity, access, and opportunity for gender-diverse athletes and to create a more meaningful event for all,” said Lauren Lubin April, Founder April Haus, Inc. “This partnership is a testament to the spirit of Philadelphia and a shared commitment to be at the forefront of inclusivity and progress. I look forward to race weekend in November to celebrate the power of road racing and the diversity of our athlete community.”For more information on these changes and Philadelphia Marathon Weekend visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com/info/non-binary/.

The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, now in its 30th year, has grown tremendously since the first race in 1994. What started as a small local event of just 1,500 participants has become one of the top 10 marathons in the country. The course guides participants through a unique experience of centuries of history and architecture, diverse and lively neighborhoods, and remarkable views throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River. Each year, spectators line the course, eager to cheer on athletes, because there’s nothing Philadelphians love more than champions.

Race Weekend 2023 features the AACR Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 19; the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Orthopaedics 8K and Nemours Children’s Run on Saturday, November 18; and a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18.

For more information about the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com.