British woman withdraws from New York Marathon after not being allowed to wear running pack

Running the New York Marathon had always been a bucket list goal for Gayle Redmon of Flint, U.K. She had planned to accomplish this goal on Sunday morning, but event organizers informed her she couldn’t run with her running vest as per New York Road Runners (NYRR) rules. She accuses the organization of discrimination.

Redmon always runs with her running vest to hold her colostomy bag. She has previously worn the vest at the Paris and London marathons. She told the BBC that she requires it for self-catheterization six times a day due to multiple surgeries for endometriosis.

“I carry huge volumes of fluids on my really long training runs,” said Redmond. Her vest also carries supplies for her stoma.

Gayle Redmon a Runner with stoma forced to withdraw 2023 New York City Marathon over bag rules !!

Gayle has a stoma and needs to self-catheterise six times a day following surgeries for endometriosis.

Gayle has found certain aides to help her race and has competed in numerous… pic.twitter.com/wF6L6i3kd6

— Sprints.sc (@SprintsSc) November 5, 2023

Redmon provided race organizers with photos of her vest, showing pouches for a water bag and a straw for continuous hydration. Her condition makes her susceptible to dehydration. She even registered as a disabled runner for the marathon, which allows racers to use the necessary equipment to complete the race.

However, NYRR, the event’s organizers, informed Redmon that only waist belts would be allowed, which couldn’t accommodate her stoma. Although NYRR suggested a clear backpack for carrying water, Redmon indicated it couldn’t hold all her necessary supplies.

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NYRR maintains their policy against running packs for the safety of other runners, permitting only clear packs. “We aim to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with local laws and federal ADA guidelines to ensure runners of all abilities have access to our races while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.”

“I’m disappointed that they couldn’t find a way to include me. I feel discriminated against,” Redmon told the BBC. She stated that the Equality Act in the U.K. and the Americans with Disabilities Act are similar and reasonable accommodations should have been made.

Redmon mentioned that NYRR offered some accommodations, but they were not suitable for her needs.