Nonbinary checkbox to be added to application for Tokyo Marathon

Organisers of the Tokyo Marathon will introduce a nonbinary option for runners to select during the gender registration process for next year’s race, aligning with other major marathon events.

“We aim to create a more inclusive society through Tokyo Marathon 2025 and will promote sustainability efforts aimed at creating a warm and friendly event that considers people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ (sexual minorities) in particular,” stated the Tokyo Marathon Foundation on Monday, following a board meeting.

Other races in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series — including those in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo — have already added a nonbinary checkbox in their registration forms.

Image Credit: Canva

According to ‘Japan Times’, for the Tokyo Marathon 2025, to be held on March 2, applicants for the general entry category will be able to choose from male, female, and nonbinary options. Registration for general entry will be open from August 16 to 30, with participants announced on September 20 based on lottery results.

The Tokyo Marathon Foundation, which has been receiving advice from Pride House Tokyo since 2019 to promote diversity in sports events, will provide changing rooms and nongender-specific toilets open to all participants.

Additionally, the marathon will trial the entry of “duo teams,” consisting of two runners where one runner pushes a buggy carrying another teammate who cannot run independently due to cerebral palsy or other health conditions.

The Tokyo Marathon, which began 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 local residents and tourists in costumes.

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