CAL CALAMIA
ATHLETE | POET | ACTIVIST
(HE/THEY)
Cal Calamia is a bilingual, non-binary transmasculine runner, author, educator, and activist. They recently made history as the first non-binary winner of both the Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon—a feat made possible by their dedicated work in sports activism. Following these historic victories, Cal won the 2023 New York City Marathon and secured second place in the 2022 Chicago Marathon, 2023 Boston Marathon and 2024 Berlin Marathon. They are currently campaigning for races across the country to prioritize trans and non-binary visibility and recognition in sports.
Cal's poetry collection, "San Franshitshow," was published by Nomadic Press in 2021. This work reflects their unique voice and experiences, offering readers a glimpse into their world.
In addition to their literary achievements, Cal is the co-founder and owner of 2 Hot 4 Hoodies, a non-profit organization that provides chest binders to LGBTQ+ youth in need. This initiative addresses a critical need within the community, offering support and resources to those who need it most.
In October 2022, Cal founded the non-binary run club (NBRC), creating a supportive and inclusive community for non-binary runners. This club aims to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among its members, promoting physical health and well-being through running.
“A big part of being here and running this race is reclaiming this place, which left me with a lot of emotional scars,” Cal Calamia said of running the Chicago Marathon in their hometown.
On Monday, for the first time in the Boston Marathon’s 127-year history, 27 athletes will be competing in the race’s inaugural nonbinary division.
One of them, Cal Calamia, played a crucial role in getting the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) to create the new official category, making it the fourth of the six World Marathon Majors to now offer a nonbinary classification.
Twenty-seven-year-old marathon runner and inclusivity activist Cal Calamia made history when he became the first transgender person to win the New York City Marathon in the race’s nonbinary division, established in 2021.
Calamia, who goes by “he” and “they” pronouns, has played a significant role in establishing nonbinary categories at several major races, including the San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston Marathons.
Cal Calamia has quickly emerged as one of the leaders of the nonbinary running movement.
He advocated for and eventually won the inaugural nonbinary division at the San Francisco Marathon last year. Calamia, a nonbinary transmasculine athlete, also served as an unpaid consultant to the organizers of the Boston Marathon, which in April introduced a nonbinary division.
This year, in partnership with Athletes for Hope, “Out of the Dark” takes an intimate look at the journey of professional athlete Cal Calamia, a transgender marathon runner who’s advocating for inclusion in the running world.
This short documentary delves into Cal’s journey, from their upbringing in a conservative suburb to their decision to come out as transmasculine and begin hormone therapy. It explores Cal’s profound struggles with mental health and how they ultimately found the support necessary to survive and eventually go on to dominate the nonbinary category in major marathons, as well as become an advocate for transgender rights.
This film is part of the #WellBeings “Out of the Dark” docuseries showcasing the inspiring personal stories of influential individuals in the mental health space. Each episode takes an in depth look at the struggles each overcame, the impact of their work, and their continued mental health journeys. Learn more at https://wellbeings.org/outofthedark
