FAQs


What is TRANSCEND? 

TRANSCEND is a running and walking event hosted by Queer Running Club. It matters because it will be the first ever queer and trans-only running event in Hackney, taking place the week before London Trans Pride this July. Our course is located on Hackney Marshes and will include two distances — either 5km or 10km. Both are aimed at all abilities, with entrants welcome to run or walk their chosen distance. 

Why is TRANSCEND taking place?

TRANSCEND is by and for the queer and trans community. It’s an opportunity to SHAKE UP the way running races are organised. Traditionally, athletics (and running in particular) has existed within a strict binary with prizes being awarded exclusively to cis men or cis women. 

Most, if not all sports governing bodies continue to use binary measuring systems which unjustly isolate trans athletes and restrict the ways in which those athletes can compete. Sadly, this is down to the very limited research into the impact of testosterone and other hormones on all bodies — not just trans bodies. 

This archaic measuring system will not be used at TRANSCEND. Our race will welcome all bodies across the gender spectrum and, rather than isolating trans and non-binary runners in a category of their own, they will be measured alongside every other athlete. We're making history, bbz.

How do I get to TRANSCEND?

The race village will be located very close to Hackney Marshes Centre — if you head there, you won't miss it. We will have a stage and a start line that will be easy to spot on the day of the event. Entrants are welcome to cycle to the race village and lock bicycles close by, but do be aware that we won't have a designated area/structure to lock them to so please arrive early to ensure you can find somewhere suitable to lock your bike. If you’re coming by public transport, the nearest stations are Homerton or Hackney Wick, from which it’s a short walk.

We will send a what3words location closer to the day so that you can plan your journey. 

Who is organising TRANSCEND?

TRANSCEND has been organised by your favourite queer runners — Queer Running Club! We are a Hackney-based running club who meet weekly, with the aim of creating a safe, supportive, and fun space for one another. We meet for ‘skills and drillz’ sessions on a Tuesday evening, track first thing on a Thursday morning, and host longer, social runs every Saturday at 10am. Find out more here.

Who is TRANSCEND for?

Do you identify somewhere on the beautiful spectrum of queer and/or trans? If so, this race is for YOU! This might sound exclusive, but it’s all about creating a safe space for our gorgeous queer community.

Cishet and feeling upset? Let’s explain… As a minority group, we feel it’s important that our lived experience is celebrated without the threat of trauma that many of us have inherited from living in a cisnormative society. Our bodies are not like your bodies — we in the queer community have often experienced fear or shame for our difference. Instead, we want TRANSCEND to inspire freedom and joy!

Half of your entry fee will go towards our trans siblings gender affirming fundraisers. If you have a fundraiser you would like us to donate to, please add it to our website and we will make sure once all donations have been collected that we allocate some funding to the fundraiser. 

What will I receive?

As part of your entry (and no matter if you complete the route or not) you will receive a lululemon water bottle. You will also receive an iconique medal that you'll want to keep on your key chain forever and ever (trust us). Plus, we'll be handing out free refreshments at the finishing line!

What can I expect from the day?

If you get there early, why not check out our Trans History Tent? After that, drop your bag off with our lovely QRC stewards, take a look at our QRC merch and grab yourself a banana. We'll have DJs playing from 9:00, with a warm up starting at 9:45 and then the race will officially kick off at 10:00. You'll walk or run around the marshes once or twice (depending on whether you’re completing 5/10km) and once you’re done, you’ll loop back to the race village where you’ll be able to grab your bag, pick up some freebies, and refuel yourself. Plus! Have a go on Coach Kole's massage gun and join QRC for a cool down stretch and then you’re done! Time to listen to some absolute bangerz by our line-up of 12/10 DJs.

Will there be a bag drop?

Yes, we will have a bag drop and toilets on site for you to use.


Will I be able to buy a coffee at TRANSCEND?

Yes! We will have a coffee vendor, some sweet treats and a few savoury snacks on the day. We encourage you to bring your own snacks along too as the Marshes are a short walk away from bars and restaurants in Hackney Wick.  

I am a trans wheelchair user, can I come to TRANSCEND?

We welcome all wheelchair participants at TRANSCEND. When you register your entry, please indicate your participation by selecting the wheelchair participant option. Our team will reach out to you to discuss any specific requirements you might have. 

Hand Cycles: Please note that, unfortunately, hand cycles are not allowed in this event. All participants using wheelchairs should be able to propel themselves without assistance. Participants using racing wheelchairs who meet our elite qualifying time will have the privilege of starting at the front. Unsure where? Do ask a volunteer upon arrival, we’re all queer and we’re all lovely. Promise. Note: Participants using day chairs will join the race at the back of the main field.

A note on accessibility at TRANSCEND

If you are visually impaired, or your disability or medical condition means you need a support runner, you can apply for a free place for them. Please email us outlining your request and the reasons for it.



We understand that we won’t have thought of everything and some aspects of TRANSCEND might be inaccessible to all (i.e. not being able to use hand cycles). Please know that we are trying to make TRANSCEND as accessible as possible and would love to hear your feedback/ideas.

We pride ourselves on inclusivity and want TRANSCEND to be open to everyone. If in any doubt about your participation, about joining as a spectator, or anything else accessibility-related, please email us at queerrunningclub@gmail.com

Can I run with my dog at TRANSCEND?

We love dogs and would really love to say YES to this question, unfortunately, as it is our first year of putting this event together we would prefer, for health and safety if you didn't run with your dogs this time. Please do bring them along, they are more than welcome in our race village

What about the weather?

July in Hackney Marshes is...unpredictable unfortunately. We will go ahead with the event even if it is raining. We ask you to bring your waterproofs and will send out an email the week before to keep you updated on our plans for rain. If it is sunny, our race village will be quite exposed to the sunshine so please do bring your factor 50 bbz. In the summer months the Marshes can be populated with quite a lot of flies so we recommend some sunglasses to protect yourselves and look chic running or walking our course. 

Will the route be sign posted?

Yes! We will provide lots of signs and there will be stewards on every corner cheering you on!

Will there be water on the course?

We will have two water stations. We recommend running with your own water as this cuts down on waste, but we will have paper cups with water on the course. 


Results

We won't be timing this event this year, we want to encourage you to run or walk with your queer and trans community. We would prefer if you enjoy the day and take in the incredible atmosphere and importance of the event. 


Will I have my photograph taken on the day?

We will have a photographer taking a few snaps of the race and they will go onto our socials platforms. If you would prefer not to be in our pictures on the day, please collect a sticker when you pick up your bib and our photographer will do their best to avoid taking photos of you. 


Want to post about us on your socials? 

If you want to share your journey to the race or after the race with us on Instagram we are on @transcend.ldn thank you!! 


Other things to think about.

There WILL be pedestrians on the paths. We recommend you do not use earphones and soak up the atmosphere at this very special event. You will need to pay close attention to everything around you. Please be aware of people, cyclists and dogs and take care of one another. 



For any other questions that we haven't thought of please do email us and we will do our best to get back to your requests as soon as possible.

We really look forward to welcoming you at the first EVER TRANSCEND, bring your friends, allies, lovers to cheer you on and see you on the big day!!

QRC TEAM x x x 
BE PROUD, BE SUPPORTIVE, BE RESPECTFUL,
NO TRANSPHOBIA, NO HOMOPHOBIA, NO QUEERPHOBIA, NO RACISM, NO SEXISM, NO ABLEISM, NO HARASSMENT OF ANY KIND

For updates, follow @transcend.ldn on Instagram