Goal
To encourage and facilitate the participation of transgender and nonbinary runners at WSER with the goal of ensuring fair and inclusive practices that respect the personal rights and dignity of all entrants while preserving the integrity of competition for awards and records.
This policy is in no way intended as any kind of judgment on or disputing of the legal sex or gender identity of any person. All forms of abuse and/or harassment are prohibited as set forth more fully in World Athletics Eligibility Rule 3.5 (Male and Female Categories) and its implementing Regulations.
Registration
All entrants may register in the male, female, or nonbinary category according to their gender identity.
Entrants who select nonbinary will not be eligible for Top-10 or Age-group awards unless they also designate male or female as their awards division.
Entrants’ self-declared gender category and results division will be accepted at face value unless challenged in accordance with this policy.
Awards Eligibility & Results
To be eligible for Top-10 or Age-group awards, all entrants must comply with World Athletics Eligibility Rule 3.5 (Male and Female Categories) for the division in which they are competing.
Top-10 and Age-group awards will only be given in the male and female divisions.
Overall race results will list finishers from all three categories (male, female, nonbinary).
Policy Enforcement
Challenges are permitted only when a Top-10 or Age-group award is at stake. Only entrants in the current year’s Western States Endurance Run may submit a challenge.
Challenges must be submitted in writing to the Race Director. WSER will determine, in its sole discretion, whether a challenge is made in a timely and appropriate manner. In the event of a challenge, WSER may request documentation and medical records consistent with World Athletics Eligibility Rule 3.5 and any implementing regulations. All athlete medical information and data will be treated as sensitive personally identifiable information in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy laws. WSER reserves the right to consult with medically qualified personnel to support the determination process.
The final decision regarding any dispute under this policy shall be within the sole discretion of WSER, including any penalty or sanction, or the final disposition of any finisher awards, buckles, or medals.
Compliance with this policy does not replace or modify any obligations under the WSER Performance Rules or Anti-Doping Policy.
Review & Updates
This is an evolving area of sports governance. WSER will continue to monitor and update this policy to remain consistent with national and international standards, while maintaining fair and inclusive practices for all entrants.
