Empire State Review Team 
New York City, July 3, 2024 — In a groundbreaking move for inclusivity, the New York City Marathon announced today the introduction of an all-gender category for this year’s race. The decision was met with widespread praise from advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equity, positioning the NYC Marathon as a leader in making sports accessible to all.
The new category allows runners to compete outside the traditional male and female divisions, offering a competitive yet inclusive space for non-binary and gender nonconforming participants. “This is a historic moment for sports,” said event director Ted Metzer. “We’re proud to celebrate diversity and show that running is for everyone.”
The announcement came with additional changes, including updates to registration forms, medal designs, and the race’s official leaderboard to reflect the new category. Marathon organizers said that these efforts align with broader changes in sports globally to embrace diversity.
While the move was widely celebrated, some critics argued that the inclusion of a third category could create logistical challenges and questioned how competition fairness would be maintained. However, advocates dismissed these concerns as an opportunity for learning and adaptation.
The NYC Marathon, scheduled for November 3, expects to attract over 50,000 runners this year. Many participants expressed excitement about the inclusivity initiative, calling it a step toward modernizing the world’s most iconic race.
