I was beaten to third place in a running race by a trans woman

[Athleticpotential]

It's a very low key local running race, neither of us are usually contenders, but a combination of circumstances meant the field was such that we finished 3rd and 4th.

The prize is a bottle of cheap wine, it's not about that.

I know her to chat to at races and I like her. It's not common knowledge that she's trans, she enters races as a woman. She is very masculine to look at, but TBH, until recently I thought she was an unfortunate woman, I had no idea.

So in the scheme of things it doesn't matter, but it does....?

Should I "do" anything? What?

[Motorina]

It does matter. I’m sorry.

There’s probably nothing you can do.

[Clymene]

Complain to the organisers?

[Athleticpotential]

@Clymene

Complain to the organisers?

The organisers are local volunteers and it's all for charity. It seems churlish and they don't make the rules, it's organised under EAA rules.

I don't know what happens at important EAA events? Do runners have to prove their sex? Do trans women compete as women?

[worriedparent12]

Yes, it does matter. She shouldn't enter a women's race as a biological male.

[Hoardasurass]

You can register a formal complaint with your racing group that they are allowing men to race against women (they probably won't do anything) and ask them why/for there inclusion policy.
When enough women and men complain that only some men are allowed to race against women in a so called single sex race they will eventually have to stop all men (however they id) out of the women's races. Also is this person using the women's changing facilities?

[Athleticpotential]

It costs £2 to enter, it's not even one of the big charity flagship events.

[LifeInsideMyhead]

This matters but I have no idea what if anything yoi could do.

I feel like we're all watching while womens rights and visibility are being eroded before our eyes.

[Margotshypotheticaldog]

I presume it was meant to be a women's race, in which case It does matter.
( I'm sorry, but I did laugh at the " unfortunate woman" description)
As to what you can do, I honestly don't know other than complain to the organisers.

[Abhannmor]

My friends' daughter won a mixed sprint once. But then they were all 6 and 7 year-old kids. After puberty she couldn't have done that. It is important but I doubt there's much you can do at this level. Just tell your friends this personal anecdote when they say there's no big deal with trans ppl in women's sports.

[Phos]

I agree it’s completely unfair that this person entered the race but unfortunately I’d be concerned that entering a complaint would just get you labelled as transphobic.

[Athleticpotential]

@Hoardasurass

You can register a formal complaint with your racing group that they are allowing men to race against women (they probably won't do anything) and ask them why/for there inclusion policy.
When enough women and men complain that only some men are allowed to race against women in a so called single sex race they will eventually have to stop all men (however they id) out of the women's races. Also is this person using the women's changing facilities?

It's a mixed race, but with separate m/f winners.

There are no changing facilities

[PermanentTemporary]

I think it does matter, yes, because women's sport is for women. I get, though, why you're wondering what you can do.

The most neutral thing I can think if is to write to the EAA and say exactly what you've said here - that you were beaten into 4th place by a transwoman and you would like to understand what their rules are. That way you show the EAA that people notice and it matters, without giving this particular person a hard time.

[Noisyprat]

In this race you are the main loser as you were beaten to a place although ALL women lose out when a man races with them. It's possible that next time this person will win, is it possible the lot are testing the waters to see if anything is said before taking too prize? Let's face it this is a tactic so the trans community can claim 'look they don't win all the time'.

You could sound out the other women to see what they think.
You could approach the organisers and tell them that they need to make it clear it isn't women only
You could encourage other men to race to bring more attention to this (although I suspect most won't be interested as it doesn't affect them) or
You could just rave where they promote women only races

[Margotshypotheticaldog]

Just out of curiosity, Where would this person have placed if they're result was logged against make runners?

[Softleftpowerstance]

What do the EEA rules say? This may be allowed.

If it’s not then I would bring it to the organiser’s attention.

I absolutely would require trans women to compete as men at elite sports, or even from county championship level. But truly grassroots over a bottle of wine? Nah, I’m not kicking up a fuss over that. Focus on beating the two women ahead of you.

[Margotshypotheticaldog]

Eek their
Shouldn't type before coffee

[KohlaParasaurus]

It does matter that males are competing in women's sport at any level whether or not prizes are involved and I wish this hadn't happened to you, but I don't know that there's anything you can do about it in this instance. Do you think it would be worth contacting EAA?

[Softleftpowerstance]

Just looked and UKA is clear that restrictions don’t apply for fun runs and charity events.

[MsTSwift]

Dont think you can do anything. Mad people will start shouting and crying that she really is a woman and if you say anything you are a meanie bigot.

[Limer]

It does matter. The trans woman has cheated you out of your rightful place. Slippery slope.

[NotTerfNorCis]

Sport should be separated on sex, not 'gender'. 'Gender' is becoming increasingly nonsensical.

[Softleftpowerstance]

@MsTSwift

Dont think you can do anything. Mad people will start shouting and crying that she really is a woman and if you say anything you are a meanie bigot.

True for mad people. But a lot of normal people will wonder why you’re kicking up a fuss over a bottle of win. There’s no prestige to coming third at a fun run.

The World Athletics rules need to be the focus. They allow sworn trans women to compete as women, as long as their testosterone levels are controlled.

[Athleticpotential]

@Margotshypotheticaldog

Just out of curiosity, Where would this person have placed if they're result was logged against make runners?

37/92

[gamerchick]

@MsTSwift

Dont think you can do anything. Mad people will start shouting and crying that she really is a woman and if you say anything you are a meanie bigot.

Course you can. You can let all the other women know and let them make their own mind up.

[MichelleScarn]

@Softleftpowerstance

What do the EEA rules say? This may be allowed.

If it’s not then I would bring it to the organiser’s attention.

I absolutely would require trans women to compete as men at elite sports, or even from county championship level. But truly grassroots over a bottle of wine? Nah, I’m not kicking up a fuss over that. Focus on beating the two women ahead of you.

So only 'elite' people matter? Non elite people are just 'kicking up a fuss'?