The 2023 London Marathon is fast approaching, with tens of thousands of runners set to take on landmark race on 23 April. Last year 42% of runners identified as women, with a 64% increase in women crossing the finish line since 2018 – and a whopping 91% increase in the number of female runners aged 60 to 69 registering to run. This year’s line up of elite women is also being heralded as one of history’s greatest ever.
Women are making their presence as marathon runners known: and London Marathon organisers are starting to listen. Last year, a handful of new policies to improve diversity were introduced, including the long-awaited option of deferral for pregnant and postpartum participants.
How London Marathon 2023 will support women
New steps to support women runners have now been announced ahead of the big day. Free sanitary products, including both tampons and towels, will be available to runners at all medical stations, information points and changing rooms, as well as hair ties and grips, breast pads, tissues and wet wipes.
Organisers are also introducing private stations at the halfway and finish points for runners to breastfeed or express milk if needed, with on-hand support available from parenting charity Best Beginnings.
Peequal women’s urinals will also be…
