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Font Size 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. ....
Our intention is to revive the PDR brand, honor its heritage, and re-cement it as an iconic event and institution within the Philadelphia running community, PDR organizers write in marketing materials describing their long-term vision for the new race. The PDR will be re-launched as a hybrid nonprofit-for profit entity, giving Students Run Philly Style an influential say in how the race takes shape. This is an opportunity to bring back an iconic race and use its prominence and revenue potential to foster an inclusive Philly running community, said Andy Kucer, executive director of SRPS. We hope the PDR will celebrate all strides of life and welcome everyone with open arms. With our expertise in this area and our local business partners, we have the chance to make a measurable impact in creating a more equitable and inclusive running community in Philadelphia. ....