Competitive marathons hold a unique appeal for transgender and nonbinary athletes compared to other sports, as the inclusive start line welcomes all participants once the race begins. However, disparities still linger, with elite categories in major marathons predominantly determined by sex assigned at birth.
Breaking New Ground in Marathon Majors
In recent years, significant strides have been made with the introduction of a nonbinary division across all seven World Marathon Majors: New York, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin, London, and Sydney. This progress is largely attributed to the tireless efforts of Cal Calamia, a dedicated nonbinary trans athlete and activist.
Calamia, a 30-year-old transmasculine vegan poet and avid runner, moved to San Francisco in 2018 for their transition. Their journey of marathon activism began with the city’s iconic Bay-to-Breakers race. Their relentless campaign successfully pressured marathon organizers to recognize nonbinary participants by creating a dedicated division.
Following their initial victory, Calamia continued their advocacy across major marathons in San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston, ultimately leading to the inclusion of a nonbinary division in all seven world majors. Calamia has since topped the podium in six of these prestigious races.
Personal and Professional Triumphs
The worldwide acceptance of the nonbinary division holds personal significance for Calamia. "Early in my transition, I aimed not to be perceived as a woman, but I also wasn't like cisgender men," they shared. "It took me time to embrace the beauty of occupying that in-between space. The nonbinary marathon division extends that understanding."
Despite their achievements, Calamia has encountered several challenges. In 2023, after winning the nonbinary division of the New York City Marathon, the only major race offering prize money to nonbinary runners, they were denied the $5000 award due to a technicality. The New York Road Runners (NYRR), responsible for the prize distribution, cited a recent membership stipulation that was added after registration had closed.
"They added this rule after registration and did not communicate it effectively," Calamia explained. "I met all the existing criteria at the time of registration."
LA Marathon: Victory Without Reward
At the recent LA Marathon, Calamia achieved another division win, completing the race in 2:49:17. However, this triumph came without a financial reward, as the marathon organizers have yet to allocate prize money for the nonbinary category.
The nonbinary division has seen remarkable growth, with numbers rising from zero registered finishers in 2021 to 267 in 2025. Nonetheless, LA Marathon officials have not yet committed to awarding prize money, citing the category's current size and competitive development.
"We are observing the competitiveness of the nonbinary division and will evaluate potential changes," stated Meg Treat, a spokesperson for the LA Marathon.
Advocating for Equality and Representation
Calamia continues to advocate for both representation and equal treatment within the sporting community. While they recognize the importance of nonbinary divisions, they emphasize the need for acknowledgment based on athletic prowess rather than mere inclusion.
"I don't want to be seen as a charity entry. I am a fast runner and deserve recognition as a strong athlete. Inclusivity should not overshadow merit," Calamia asserted.
Despite facing challenges, Calamia's unwavering dedication to advocacy and sport highlights the ongoing journey towards equality in athletics. Their endeavors are paving the way for future generations of nonbinary athletes to compete on a level playing field.
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