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The PDR’s new organizers have put inclusion and equity at the core of the race.

Font Size Male and female gender divisions are seen as far too restrictive in the Philadelphia distance running scene. The solution? A famous half-marathon is re-inventing itself by adding a non-binary division to the competition. And encouraging this to become a trend nationally. The Philadelphia Distance Run (PDR) used to be one of America’s premiere distance races, drawing Olympic caliber runners. It was considered the world’s fastest half-marathon, and world records were s...

The PDR’s new organizers have put inclusion and equity at the core of the race.

The Philadelphia Distance Run Is Establishing a Nonbinary Division. Here’s Why That Matters The PDR’s new organizers have put inclusion and equity at the core of the race. By Emma Zimmerman joe daniel priceGetty Images When runners sign up for a race, they expect to check one of two boxes. Competitors will race in one of two gender divisions, and winners will receive prize money from one of two pools. Race divisions split between the gender binary—male or female—is a norm that m...

"Our intention is to revive the PDR brand, honor its heritage, and re-cement it as an iconic event and institution within the Philadelphia running community," PDR organizers write in marketing materials describing their long-term vision for the new race. The PDR will be re-launched as a hybrid nonprofit-for profit entity, giving Students Run Philly Style an influential say in how the race takes shape. "This is an opportunity to bring back an iconic race and use its prominence and revenue potent...