It's one of three policy changes introduced by the event organizers to make the race more inclusive
again for the deferral year, they will be offered a second deferral — again to the year of their choice.
Ultrarunner Sophie Power, who gained attention in 2018 when a photo of her breastfeeding her baby midway through UTMB went viral, campaigned for this policy change last year. It inspired her to launch a campaign called, which aims to makes races fairer and more inclusive, with a focus on changing unfair pregnancy deferral polices, which can see women losing costly and hard-won race places.
"Through our research, we have created a simple set of guidelines for race directors to make races more inclusive of female athletes and we champion those who do. We now hope race directors across the world will take their lead from London and level the start line for women," she says.The second policy change also ensures a more accessible event for all. Prior to 2022, wheelchair participants in the London Marathon had to complete the 26.2 miles by themselves, unaided by anyone else.
Participants who cannot take part on the day due to religious reasons will now be allowed to take part in the event on the next suitable day.