It’s time for the major U.S. marathons to offer EQUAL prize money to top finishing disabled athletes in the Wheelchair and Para divisions.

Despite competing on the same 26.2 mile course, athletes in the Wheelchair and Para categories are awarded only a fraction of the prize money their able bodied counterparts receive. That is, if they are awarded anything at all…

Boston Marathon:
1st place Open Division - $150,000
1st place Wheelchair Division - $25,000
1st place Para Divisions - $1,500

Chicago Marathon: (2019)
1st place Open Division - $100,000
1st place Wheelchair Division - $15,000
1st place Para Divisions - N/A

New York City Marathon:
1st place Open Division - $100,000
1st place Wheelchair Division - $25,000
1st place Para Divisions - N/A

Why is this a problem? Because it is discrimination in the form of ableism. By competing in a different category, Wheelchair and Para athletes are automatically excluded from having the same opportunities (prize money) as an able bodied athlete.

Athletes with disabilities are treated as “second class” in too many ways, despite their rigorous training schedules, hard work, and world class performances. They are given less media attention, fewer sponsorship opportunities, less support, and in this case significantly less prize money for category winners. It has historically been justified by the assumption that athletes with disabilities are “not the standard."

Let’s set the record straight: Wheelchair and Para athletes ARE NOT second class athletes. They ARE NOT a deviation from the “default.” They are powerful, talented athletes who deserve equal compensation for their performances at such prestigious events.

This petition is a declaration that we, as a running community, demand better. Together we’re petitioning the Boston, Chicago, and New York City Marathons to award equal money for equal miles.

#equalmoneyforequalmiles