L.A. Marathon Denies Trans Prize Money
The L.A. Marathon currently does not offer prize money to trans or nonbinary runners, prompting advocacy from past champions and broader calls for equitable treatment. The movement is gaining traction, with athletes and activists urging organizers to revisit their policies and create a more inclusive environment in major races.
The Los Angeles Marathon was one of the first major marathons to introduce a nonbinary division in 2021, alongside the New York City Marathon. However, while the top three finishers in this category receive a trophy or medal, there is no prize money awarded, as it is not considered a professional division. The number of participants in the L.A. Marathon's nonbinary division has seen significant growth, from zero in 2021 to an expected 150 runners this year out of approximately 27,000 total participants. Despite this increase in participation, the lack of prize money is a key point of contention for many athletes and advocates. Transgender runner and activist Cal Calamia, who won the L.A. Marathon's nonbinary division two years ago, has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of prize money. Calamia has also been instrumental in pushing for the creation of nonbinary categories in other major races, including the San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston marathons. While all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors now have a nonbinary division for mass participation, most, including the L.A. Marathon, follow the guidelines of World Athletics, which does not have an elite nonbinary category for which prize money is typically awarded. In contrast, the New York City Marathon does offer prize money for nonbinary runners within its general division, and other races like the Philadelphia Marathon have also moved to provide equal prize money.
