TRANSGENDER AND NON-BINARY ATHLETES

Transgender and Non-Binary Runners

This policy balances inclusivity with competitive integrity while aligning with international trail running best practices and scientific developments in transgender athlete participation. The framework recognizes that trail running events often have different competitive structures than elite track and field competitions, allowing for more flexible approaches while maintaining fairness.

Foundational Principles

Inclusivity First: RaceBase welcomes all participants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status. The trails are for everyone, and our events benefit from diverse participation in natural ecosystems.

Dignity and Respect: All participants deserve to compete with dignity. Discrimination, harassment, or marginalization based on gender identity is strictly prohibited and may result in event suspension or banning.

Scientific Foundation: The policy incorporates current scientific understanding from World Athletics regarding athletic performance differences, while adapting them appropriately for trail running contexts.

Runner using trekking poles on gradient background
Smiling woman runner with trekking poles, wearing a cap and hydration pack, on orange gradient background.

Registration and Participation Categories

Standard Registration Categories

  • Male/Men’s Category: Open to all athletes assigned male at birth and eligible transgender male athletes

  • Female/Women’s Category: Restricted based on eligibility criteria outlined below

  • Non-Binary/Open Category: Available for all participants regardless of gender identity or birth assignment


Transgender Male Athletes (Female-to-Male)

Transgender male athletes may register and compete in either:

  • Male/Men’s category without restrictions

  • Non-Binary/Open category

  • Female/Women’s category only if they have not begun hormone treatment including testosterone or other substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list

Transgender Female Athletes (Male-to-Female)

Based on current World Athletics standards and IAU guidance that follows these regulations, transgender female athletes may compete in the Female/Women’s category under the following conditions:

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Gender Identity Declaration: Written declaration that their gender identity is female,

  2. Puberty Limitation: Must not have experienced male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first),

  3. Hormone Treatment: Continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment maintaining serum testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L since puberty,

  4. Ongoing Compliance: Must maintain testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L throughout participation.

Alternative Options:

  • Non-Binary/Open category (no restrictions),

  • Male/Men’s category if they meet standard eligibility requirements.

Non-Binary Athletes

Non-binary athletes may choose to compete in:

  • Non-Binary/Open category (recommended and no restrictions),

  • Male/Men’s or Female/Women’s categories if they meet the respective eligibility criteria,

  • Birth-assigned category if they have not undergone hormone treatment.

Challenge Process

Challenges to results may only occur when:

  • Top 3 overall positions are at stake,

  • Age group awards are affected,

  • Written challenges must be submitted within 10 days of race completion,

  • All challenges handled with discretion and confidentiality.

Implementation and Support

Medical Documentation

  • Athletes may voluntarily provide medical documentation related to their transition,

  • All medical information kept strictly confidential,

  • Documentation reviewed by designated medical director when necessary.


Registration Process

  • Self-declaration accepted at face value during registration,

  • Preferred pronouns collected and respected throughout the event,

  • No requirement for legal gender recognition or surgical procedures.

Education and Training

  • Staff training on inclusive practices and respectful communication,

  • Clear communication of policies to all participants,

  • Educational resources available about gender diversity in sport.


Enforcement and Appeals

Policy Violations

Any discriminatory behavior, harassment, or policy violations may result in:

  • Event disqualification,

  • One-year ban from RaceBase events,

  • Permanent ban for severe or repeated violations.

Appeals Process

  • Athletes may appeal eligibility decisions,

  • Independent review panel available for complex cases,

  • Confidential process respecting athlete privacy.

Person running with happy expression, wearing a cap and sleeveless shirt, against a gradient blue and purple background.
A person with a tattoo on their arm and a hydration pack, set against a gradient background of purple, pink, and blue.

Alignment with International Standards

This policy aligns with:

  • World Athletics 2025 Standards: Incorporating latest scientific evidence while adapting for trail running context,

  • IAU Guidelines: Following World Athletics policy for international ultramarathon standards,

  • ITRA Best Practices: Emphasizing female participation and inclusive environments,

  • UTMB World Series: Supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives in trail running.


Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually to incorporate:

  • New scientific evidence from World Athletics and sports science research,

  • Feedback from participants and the trail running community,

  • Updates to international governing body standards,

  • Best practices from other leading trail running organizations.


The policy balances the inclusive spirit of trail running with competitive integrity, ensuring RaceBase Asia events remain welcoming spaces where all athletes can pursue their passion for trail running while maintaining fair competition standards.