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Ep. 40
"Breaking Ground for Trans and Non-Binary Representation"

With Cal Calamia


“…Again, Berlin has done an amazing thing by leaning in toward the need to recognize non binary runners and they've started working on it, but they still have a long way to go. And so, on one hand, I want to celebrate that I'm able to go and I'm able to be there on another hand, I want to hold space for all of the change that still needs to happen. And yeah, I think in all the ways that trans athletes and non binary athletes are pushed out of spaces and pushed out of sports. That's just all the more reason for me to keep showing up."
– Cal Calamia

On this episode of the Beyond Running Podcast, host Leslie Payro engages in a compelling conversation with Cal Calamia—an accomplished trans marathoner, ultramarathoner, and inclusivity activist. Cal, who uses they/he pronouns, has been a trailblazer for non-binary visibility in the running world. From becoming the first non-binary winner of both Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon, to advocating for the inclusion of non-binary categories in prestigious races like the Boston and New York Marathons, Cal has made waves in the sport.


In this conversation, Cal shares their journey from competing at Saint Louis University to advocating for gender inclusivity at major races, including their recent push for non-binary representation in the Berlin Marathon. Cal also reflects on the founding of the Non-Binary Run Club, their work as an educator, and their passion for poetry, which is captured in their collection San Franshitshow,

and the importance of prioritizing mental health in their activism.

 

 

Tune in to hear Cal’s personal story of resilience, the power of community, and their dedication to pushing for a more inclusive future in running. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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About Cal Calamia

Cal Calama (they/he) is a trans marathoner and ultramarathoner, inclusivity activist, educator, community builder, and poet.


He competed at Saint Louis University, then went on to advocate for non-binary divisions in races across the globe. Cal has since secured victories in many races, including the 2023 New York City Marathon and the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon. They are the founder of the Non-binary+ Run club, a professor at the University of San Francisco, the author of a collection of poetry, San Franshitshow, and the star of Out of The Dark: Cal Calamia. Cal is committed to increasing trans visibility and uplifting queer joy.


 You can find Cal on instagram as @calcalamia

OUR HOST: LESLIE PAYRÓ

Head of Content at Aire Libre


Leslie Payro (she/they), a Mexican Graphic Designer and visual artist, has been a dedicated member of the Aire Libre team since 2018, and currently leading the Content and Design department. Finding solace in running and nature, she sees these pursuits as celebrations of life and rituals of self-reclamation, empowering her to overcome challenges. With a deep passion for social justice, Leslie advocates for women’s and LGBTTQIA+ rights, dedicating her energy to fostering gender equality in both creative and social spheres.


You can connect with her at @leslie.payro

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