Gender neutral race could be Canadian first
Merrett Home Hardware Run takes off Saturday
Saturday’s third annual Merrett Home Hardware Run for Mental Health could be the first gender neutral race in Canada, say organizers.
Dave Dame of Runner’s Life, host of the event, believes this is a first in Canada. Instead of choosing between the limited options of male and female, participants can also identify as transgender, prefer not to say or other with space to elaborate.
“The idea came from one of our participants,” Dame said.
The runner does not identify as male or female and wanted to know why there weren’t more options.
Dame said he talked to the software programmer who designed the online registration and had them recode it to add the new options. He manipulated the timing software to also add new categories. Prizes will be awarded in all categories.
“We feel this is a positive change in the running community and look forward to a successful, inclusive event,” Dame said.
He said it’s a natural tie-in to the run’s theme as people working through issues of gender identity often face mental health challenges over feelings of acceptance by family, friends and society.
“The least we can do is try to make this an inclusive event,” Dame said.
“I think it’s a big step in the right direction and I think a lot of other races are going to follow.” Whether or not all area races will follow suit is a bigger question, Dame said.
The IAAF, the world’s governing body of athletics, does not currently recognize more than two gender options. Events using their standards will, for now, have to follow suit, he said.
“it’s a conversation we have to start having,” Dave said.
The race begins with registration at 5 p.m. and the run starts at 5:45 p.m. in front of Runner’s Life on Charlotte Street.
The event will be followed by a street party including food, beverages and live entertainment by three local bands. The familyfriendly evening supports Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge with proceeds going to the Youth Emergency Shelter and Families. Last year, nearly $18,000 was raised.
Dame said registration this year has already surpassed last year’s total of 220 runners and sits at 280.
“We’re going to easily surpass 300. It’s expected to be a beautiful day,” Dame said. “That will make it Peterborough’s biggest fall event.”