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Male and female gender divisions are seen as far too restrictive in the Philadelphia distance running scene. The solution? A famous half-marathon is re-inventing itself by adding a non-binary division to the competition. And encouraging this to become a trend nationally.
The Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) used to be one of America’s premiere distance races, drawing Olympic caliber runners. It was considered the world’s fastest half-marathon, and world records were set there by men and women. For the past decade, it was known as the Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. It’s returning Sept. 19 as the PDR and adding a non-binary division, to make the race as inclusive as possible, reports Philadelphia ABC News’ George Solis.
The Philadelphia Distance Run Is Establishing a Nonbinary Division. Here’s Why That Matters
The PDR’s new organizers have put inclusion and equity at the core of the race.
By Emma Zimmerman joe daniel priceGetty Images
When runners sign up for a race, they expect to check one of two boxes. Competitors will race in one of two gender divisions, and winners will receive prize money from one of two pools. Race divisions split between the gender binary male or female is a norm that most runners expect, and few have challenged.
Yet in the fall of 2021, the Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) plans to do just that.