Broad Street Run expands nonbinary division with elite field and equal prize money

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run is marking a milestone this year as the nation's largest 10-mile race prepares to feature 10 elite athletes in its nonbinary category, a division that continues to grow since its introduction.

Race organizers say the category ensures equal prize money and dedicated awards for the top five nonbinary finishers. For runners like marathoner Josh Fernandez, the change represents long-overdue recognition.

"If you were a nonbinary runner before 2021, you didn't have a field for you. You had to either pick the male or female box at the registration," Fernandez said.

Fernandez added that visibility matters. "It's a big deal because it shows that runners, who may face specific barriers, like queer and trans and non-binary runners, are seeing themselves more in these races that offer this," they said.

The Broad Street Run first offered a nonbinary registration option in 2022, drawing 43 participants. This year, 126 runners have registered in the category, including about 10 in the elite field.

For Fernandez, who has placed in the elite nonbinary division since it began, the growth is encouraging. "If I continue to have to fight for my title, or if I don't place at all, that means that the field is growing, that faster non-binary runners are being more comfortable in their skin and showing up at the starting line," they said.

The 2021 Philadelphia Distance Run was the first road race in the United States to establish a nonbinary division with elite competitors and equal prize money across all gender categories. Broad Street followed soon after.

The Philadelphia Marathon also offers nonbinary registration, though it does not include a nonbinary elite category.