Dublin Marathon introduces non-binary category: "When everyone is made to feel welcome, we all win"

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon has introduced a new category to allow runners to enter as nonbinary, as well as either male or female.

The decision follows consultation with members of the running communities across Ireland, with organisers hoping the new category will promote Dublin marathon as a more "inclusive" event, which will allow for runners to participate in a category that matches their identity.

Various queer athletics groups across Ireland had previously advocated for the new entry category to be added, as various cities such as New York, London and Boston already have the third category for those who don’t fit into the gender categories of man or woman.

Dublin Marathon race director Jim Aughney admitted in a press launch for the 2023 marathon that through discussions with the clubs, particularly LGBTQ+ athletics club Dublin Frontrunners, they had found a number of a number of people hadn’t run the event "because non-binary wasn’t included".

"They said they would be delighted to run it in the event of a non-binary category being included. When we got that feedback from runners it was something we needed to add."

Delighted to officially launch the 2023 #IrishLifeDublinMarathon & announce John Treacy as our Race Starter.

We’ve also introduced a number of inclusive initiatives for our event & a new transfer window for July 👟🏃🏻‍♀️

Read more: https://t.co/uLTa9SJZTp#PowerOfSupport pic.twitter.com/IsS0QUYtIp

— Irish Life Dublin Marathon (@dublinmarathon) May 9, 2023

The move to promote and include nonbinary and trans runners is providing some sanctuary for LGBTQ+ running groups, amid a rise of global anti-trans legislation and protest. The inclusive move is also in contrast to decisions made by various sporting bodies to exclude trans and nonbinary athletes from athletics, rugby and swimming.

Gabriel Coleman, a nonbinary member of LGBTQ+ running club Dublin Front Runners, has experienced firsthand the lack of options for nonbinary runners.

"The only opportunities I’ve had to register for a race as a nonbinary person are Pride events, the Brooklyn Pride Run and the Dublin Pride Run," they said."I’m always surprised by how good it feels to be actually recognised as my proper gender, especially for an activity that is so much about being in touch with my body."

Dublin Front Runners, as Ireland's largest LGBTQ+ sports club, have advocated for their athletes since the club was founded. The club aims to foster an interest in promote running among LGBT people regardless of race religion, sex or physical ability.

Dublin Front Runners Credit: Gillian Callaghan

"I’m incredibly grateful to DFR and all the other groups who advocated for the change. I’m sure many more trans/nonbinary folks will be joining races now that they don’t have to misgender themselves to do so," said Gabriel, who was previously a member of Front Runners new York.

Gabriel hopes that Dublin Marathon’s opening up to a broader concept of gender identity and recognition in sport can show that inclusion is not a competition.

"Acknowledging the existence of trans and nonbinary athletes challenges assumptions about what competition is for and what we can expect of bodies of all genders. That is a good thing for people of all genders. When everyone is made to feel welcome, we all win."

Dublin Front Runners annual Pride Run takes place Friday 16th June, entry can be purchased here.