Tokyo Marathon organizers will add a non-binary option that will allow runners to choose their gender during the registration process for next year’s race, following in the footsteps of other major marathon events.
“We aim to create a more inclusive society through the Tokyo Marathon 2025, and will promote sustainability efforts aimed at creating a warm and friendly event that takes into account people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ (sexual minorities) in particular” , said the organizer Tokyo Marathon Foundation. in a statement on Monday, after a board meeting.
Other races in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series – the world’s six largest marathons held in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and Tokyo – already include a non-binary checkbox in the registration form.
Candidates for the general registration category can choose from men, women and non-binary for the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, which will be held on March 2. Candidates can register for general registration from August 16 to 30, and participants will be announced on September 2. 20 based on lottery results.
The organizer, which has been receiving advice from Pride House Tokyo since 2019 to promote diversity at sporting events, will provide changing rooms and non-gender-specific toilets that are accessible to everyone.
It also allows for participation on a trial basis in a ‘duo team’, or two runners running as a team, with one runner pushing a buggy carrying another teammate who has difficulty running independently due to cerebral palsy or other health problems.
The Tokyo Marathon, which started in 2007, is the largest marathon event in Japan, with 38,000 participants running from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to Tokyo Station. In addition to elite runners, the annual event also attracts locals and tourists in costumes.
