Division Policy for All Athletes
Working towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a core principle of our organization and provides a lens though which we look to ensure everyone feels welcome, recognized and able to participate in a safe and comfortable environment. The Whistler half Marathon, presented by Smartwool recognizes that gender is complex and encompasses a spectrum of identities. We feel that forcing athletes to choose a traditional gender did not offer an inclusive experience. Therefore we now require athletes to choose a division they feel most comfortable participating in.
For the sake of event division selection when registering and participating in the event, all athletes should understand and be aware of the options available to them and other athletes. Below are the participant divisions as they pertain to the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. We ask all athletes to review these, and choose the division that best suits them.
Women's Division: Inclusive of all women, be that cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-confirming athletes who are most comfortable in a space participating with other women. Transgender athletes are encouraged to have begun gender affirming treatment for a minimum of one year before selecting this category. Medical proof of such treatment is not required to choose this division.
Men's Division: Inclusive of all men, be that cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming athletes who are most comfortable in a space participating with other men. Transgender athletes are encouraged to choose this category should the athlete have begun any stage of gender affirming treatment. Medical proof of such treatment is not required to choose this division.
Non-Binary Division: Inclusive of athletes who exist beyond the gender binary of men and women, including (but not limited to) gender fluid, gender non-conforming, gender queer. Non-binary athletes may also choose to select the Women's Division, Men's Division, or Undisclosed Division if they prefer.
Prefer Not To Disclose/Undisclosed Division: Any athlete who prefers not to choose a division in which to enter may register in this category. By choosing this division, the athlete is opting out of time-based podium awards, however, can still participate in our Beyond The Podium Awards should they opt in during the registration process.
Athlete Division Selection Policy
Division selection is done on the honour system by the athlete at the time of registration. Event management ask that all athletes be considerate and honest with themselves when making division selection. All athletes are asked to be familiar with the above divisions and make the selection that best works for them. Any athlete, at any time, can change the division they registered in during the registration process. If a change needs to be completed following completion of online registration, this can be done by emailing event staff at [email protected] and advising of the division change request.
Working towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a core principle of our organization and provides a lens though which we look to ensure everyone feels welcome, recognized and able to participate in a safe and comfortable environment. The Whistler half Marathon, presented by Smartwool recognizes that gender is complex and encompasses a spectrum of identities. We feel that forcing athletes to choose a traditional gender did not offer an inclusive experience. Therefore we now require athletes to choose a division they feel most comfortable participating in.
For the sake of event division selection when registering and participating in the event, all athletes should understand and be aware of the options available to them and other athletes. Below are the participant divisions as they pertain to the Whistler Half Marathon, presented by Smartwool. We ask all athletes to review these, and choose the division that best suits them.
Women's Division: Inclusive of all women, be that cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-confirming athletes who are most comfortable in a space participating with other women. Transgender athletes are encouraged to have begun gender affirming treatment for a minimum of one year before selecting this category. Medical proof of such treatment is not required to choose this division.
Men's Division: Inclusive of all men, be that cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming athletes who are most comfortable in a space participating with other men. Transgender athletes are encouraged to choose this category should the athlete have begun any stage of gender affirming treatment. Medical proof of such treatment is not required to choose this division.
Non-Binary Division: Inclusive of athletes who exist beyond the gender binary of men and women, including (but not limited to) gender fluid, gender non-conforming, gender queer. Non-binary athletes may also choose to select the Women's Division, Men's Division, or Undisclosed Division if they prefer.
Prefer Not To Disclose/Undisclosed Division: Any athlete who prefers not to choose a division in which to enter may register in this category. By choosing this division, the athlete is opting out of time-based podium awards, however, can still participate in our Beyond The Podium Awards should they opt in during the registration process.
Athlete Division Selection Policy
Division selection is done on the honour system by the athlete at the time of registration. Event management ask that all athletes be considerate and honest with themselves when making division selection. All athletes are asked to be familiar with the above divisions and make the selection that best works for them. Any athlete, at any time, can change the division they registered in during the registration process. If a change needs to be completed following completion of online registration, this can be done by emailing event staff at [email protected] and advising of the division change request.
