Gender Policy

Fat Dog 120 Entrance Policy for Transgender Athletes

We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required.

A transgender female (male-to-female) entrant can register to compete as a female, provided they have undergone continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for gender transition for at least one year prior to the race.

A transgender male (female-to-male) entrant can register to compete as a male.

Transgender male runners cannot register to compete as a female if they have begun hormone treatment for gender transition, that includes testosterone or any other banned substance (as defined by the World Anti-doping Agency).

Runners may compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth if they have not undergone hormone treatment.

 

Challenges of Results Involving Transgender Athletes

 

Fat dog 120 Management INC. has adopted this policy and the ability to challenge results out of a desire for inclusion and fairness. As such, we expect all parties to behave in such a manner that is honest, compassionate, and respectful of others. We will not tolerate hateful or discriminatory behaviour by any of our runners, or those associated with the race, regardless of the cause.

Challenges may be made to results, which are directly related to a runner’s self-declared gender, only when a top 5 position is at stake. A challenge must be made in writing (or email) to the Race Director within 48 hours of race completion and must be submitted privately and with the utmost discretion and respect for all parties involved. We request that neither party publicly post nor discuss the challenge until a decision has been reached by the race. Challenges not related to a runner’s gender status, such as course cutting or other rule violations, will be handled via our standard review and inquiry process.

Should the party decide to post the challenge publicly, we reserve the right to revoke the challenge and it’s hearing. In the event of a challenge, or as deemed necessary, Fat dog Management INC. may request supporting documentation from a medical professional. Transgender entrants, at their option, may provide medical documentation related to their transition to the Race Director and/or Medical Director prior to the race. All information about the runner’s details, including any information provided pursuant to this policy, will be kept strictly confidential. The Race Director, with input from race staff, will review the relevant facts and make a final decision. 

If the runner is not in compliance with this policy, they will forfeit any place positions but will retain their official finish. Any announcements made by the race will simply state whether a runner was or was not in compliance with our policy and the associated action taken by the race. We will not disclose, unless requested or allowed by the transgender runner, any medical information related to the decision.
 

Entrance Policy for Non-Binary Athletes

If you identify as non-binary but would like to compete for place awards, we ask that you register for the category of your sex assigned at birth. We will periodically revisit the ability and need to add podium awards, based on uptake at registration. 

We will review this policy on a continuous basis to ensure all content and rulings are up to date and equitable.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the team at Coast Mountain Trail Running team who have put extensive time into researching and developing much of this policy, and who have granted Fat dog 120 Management INC. permission to adopt this policy.  The policy has come with input from BC, Canadian, and international sport organizations. Fat dog 120 Management INC. and Coast Mountain Trail Running also acknowledge Western States and Run the Rut race for laying the groundwork for this policy. Special thanks to Coast Mountain Trail Running and Run the Rut specifically for granting permission to build on their wording as a starting point.