London Marathon 2023 Presents A Choice Of Non-biner Category, But Especially In Mass Participation Ajang

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JAKARTA - The London Marathon organizing committee on Wednesday announced it would present a choice of neutral or non-binary gender categories for participants participating in the running event next year.

Non-biner gender is a term commonly used to describe someone who does not identify himself as a woman or a man.

Organizers said the move was part of an attempt to make London Maraton the world's most diverse, fair and inclusive running competition.

However, the non-biner gender option is only intended for mass participation, not for elite category competitions regulated by the World Athletics.

"The elite athlete's race, coupled with the championship category and the 'Good For Age' category all regulated by the World Athletics will not offer a non-biner gender option," organizers wrote in a statement, as quoted by Antara, Thursday.

Event Director Hugh Brasher said it was a significant advancement in efforts to make the London Marathon more inclusive.

"We know there is still a lot to be done, but changes like this show our commitment to make the TCS London Marathon an event for everyone," he said.

The Boston Marathon has also announced similar changes this week.

The London Marathon 2023 will return to its regular schedule in April after the last four editions have always been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.