Cal Calamia, an American long-distance runner and activist, is set to participate again in the Los Angeles Marathon, where they aim to win in the non-binary category, which has recently been introduced for competitors identifying outside the traditional gender binary. In 2024, Calamia secured victory in this category with a time of 2:53:02, but unlike their counterparts in the male and female categories, non-binary competitors do not receive cash prizes for their victories. This disparity raises important questions regarding recognition and support for diverse gender identities in competitive sports.

Marathon organizers explain that the lack of cash prizes for the non-binary category is due to the relatively small number of participants. In the 2024 marathon, only 38 non-binary runners finished, while this number increased to 267 in 2025, accounting for approximately 0.5% of the total 27,000 participants. While the top three finishers in the non-binary category receive medals and media exposure, the absence of financial awards suggests a need for further advancement and institutional support for non-binary athletes to enhance their competitive experience and recognition.

This topic reflects larger societal dialogues surrounding gender identity and inclusivity in sports, prompting discussions about the need for equitable treatment across all categories of competition. As advocacy for non-binary recognition grows, it poses challenges and opportunities for marathon organizers and the sports community to adapt and potentially restructure prize offerings in the future to cultivate a more inclusive environment for all athletes, irrespective of gender.