The London Marathon has annouced a major change to the events ballot for the 2023 race. 

Avid runners planning to take part in next year’s TCS London Marathon will be offered an option to identify themselves as non-binary for the first time in their ballot application.

Three gender options in male, female and non-binary will be on offer to those applying for the mass participation element of the London Marathon including charity entries.

It comes after an extensive review and consultation by organiser London Marathon Events who aim to make the event the most diverse, equitable and inclusive marathon in the world.

However the change will not apply to the elite athlete races, the Championship and Good for Age categories as they all operate under World Athletics rules that do not offer a non-binary gender option.

Event director Hugh Brasher said: “This is a significant step forward for the TCS London Marathon as we continue our journey to make our event truly inclusive.

“We know there is still much more to be done, but changes such as this demonstrate our commitment to making the TCS London Marathon an event that is for everyone.”

London Marathon announces major change

Next year's event will take place on Sunday April 23, seeing the return of its usual spring slot following changes made due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Ballot places will open on Saturday, October 1 just a day before the 2022 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, October 2.

Ahead of this year's marathron, new entry policies were announced in July which included entries for assisted participants, enhanced policies for participants who are pregnant or postpartum, and special considerations for participants in the virtual TCS London Marathon.

The changes means that there is a lot more flexibility for people that cannot complete the 26.2 miles in the required 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds on the day.

This change to the entry system will also be implemented across the mass participation element of all events organised by London Marathon Events.