The Boston Marathon has come under scrutiny for permitting transgender-identifying biological males to compete in the women’s division, even after introducing a separate non-binary category.
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) maintains a policy that allows runners to compete under their self-identified gender without requiring a history of gender identity documentation. Runners must present a government-issued ID when obtaining their bib number, which is compared with the qualification-associated gender description. Discrepancies are handled on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on inclusion.
In 2023, the Boston Marathon introduced a non-binary division, aiming to provide an inclusive category for runners who do not identify strictly as male or female. Despite this addition, the BAA continues to allow transgender women (biological males who identify as female) to compete in the women’s division.
Those who disagree with this policy stance proudly took to X to share their opinion and stand up for women. Jennifer Sey, a New York Post contributor, wrote, “A man is eligible to win every Boston Marathon category — men’s, women’s, and non-binary, too. No space is protected for women.”
Critics argue that this policy undermines the purpose of creating a non-binary category and raises concerns about competitive fairness in women’s sports. They contend that biological differences can confer advantages in endurance events, potentially impacting the integrity of competition.
The BAA’s approach reflects a broader trend among major marathons to accommodate gender identity in race participation. However, the decision to allow biological males in the women’s division, despite the existence of a non-binary category, continues to fuel debate over the balance between inclusivity and fairness in athletic competitions.
