Noyo Headlands Race

At the Noyo Headlands Race, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity. While our event may present physical challenges, it is essential that all participants feel accepted and welcomed. To support this mission, we have established a Transgender & Non-Binary Runner Policy with input from the Mendocino County Safe Space Project.

Entrance Policy for Transgender Athletes

We honor each entrant’s declared gender without requiring any supporting evidence or medical documentation.

• Transgender female entrants can register to compete as female.
• Transgender male entrants can register to compete as male.
• Runners may choose to compete in the category of their sex assigned at birth if they have not undergone hormone treatment for the past year.
• If you are a transgender athlete planning on entering the Noyo Headlands Race to qualify for another race, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for that race. These requirements typically require documentation of continuous, medically supervised hormone treatment for at least one year prior to the race for transgender women, for example. For more information, find the relevant policy for the race you aim to qualify for and see also these downloadable World Athletics Eligibility Regulations For Transgender Athletes.

All information regarding a runner’s gender identity will be kept strictly confidential.

Entrance Policy for Non-Binary Athletes

We recognize that some individuals identify outside the binary terms of ‘man’ or ‘woman.’ Non-binary individuals may identify as having a gender that is in-between, fluctuating, or as having no gender at all. 

• Non-binary runners will be eligible for place awards in their own category, or they may choose to compete in the category in which they most closely identify.
• If you are a nonbinary athlete planning on running the Noyo Headlands Race to qualify for another race, it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for that race.

Challenges of Results Involving Transgender and Non-Binary Athletes

Our policy aims to promote inclusion and fairness. We expect all participants to act with honesty, compassion, and respect. Hateful or discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated. 

Challenges to results related to a runner’s self-declared gender may only be made when a top 3 position is at stake. These must be submitted in writing or via email to the Race Director within 10 days of the race, and will be handled discreetly and respectfully. Challenges unrelated to gender status, such as course cutting or rule violations, will follow the standard process. If a challenge arises, the Race Director will review the facts and make a final decision. If a runner is found not in compliance with this policy, they will forfeit their place but retain their official finish. We will not disclose any personal information unless permitted by the runner.

We will periodically review this policy to ensure it remains current and equitable.

For any questions, comments, or feedback, please contact the Race Director at noyorace@mendocinolandtrust.org.