CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was a beautiful morning in Charlotte as runners made their way to South Mint Street and Martin Luther King Blvd for the start of the 2023 Around the Crown 10K.

For some, this year's run meant more than the medals, as a new level of inclusion was introduced.

For the first time, the race added a non-binary division with additional prizes.

What You Need To Know

  •  Roughly 5,000 people showed up at the Around the Crown 10K in Charlotte Sunday morning

  •  It was the first year the race added prizes for the non-binary division

  •  Charlie Raymer, a non-binary runner, said the new category inspired him at this year's race

Tying his laces is a familiar task for Charlie Raymer, who started running at the age of 12.

"I run races all over, and in general for life... it makes me feel good in my mind and in my body. It’s sort of a lifestyle," Raymer said.

But that wasn't always the case for Raymer. At one point, he says he didn't always feel comfortable in who he was. It wasn’t until after his transition that the love for running grew.

"I really wanted to see what I could do in this new body that I felt more comfortable in. So, I started out running half and full marathons and really took hold and became addicted," Raymer said.

As a North Carolina native, Raymer said this year's race held a deeper meaning. For the first time, the Around the Crown 10k added a non-binary category with prizes. A change, Raymer said he felt encouraged by.

"I moved away almost 10 years ago, and in some ways, when I moved away, I felt like I was outgrowing where I grew up. But now coming back, especially with this category this year, non-binary, it's really special because I feel like, you know, my hometown, my roots, like they're growing with me now and becoming more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone," Raymer explained.

Race Director Brian Mister shares a similar sentiment. "It's another version of inclusivity is all it is. So when you think about culture and you think about race and you think about age, it's one more piece... let's have gender in there too, and make sure we are open and welcome to all, because running change a day, you can change your life. So let's change all lives," Mister said.

Raymer finished the 10k in 40 minutes, crossing the finish line with a smile on his face. He says, while it wasn’t first place, the feeling of being supported by the community is a win in his eyes.

"It kind of levels the playing field and it makes it like a totally welcoming kind of environment where people feel like they can sign up. I feel like in years going forward, there will be more people who are encouraged by seeing this and maybe even start running," Raymer said. "Like, maybe it's their push to start running and get active, and I think that's really important.”

Those who finished the race were welcomed with medals, donuts, fruits and, of course, water.

Raymer said he’s eager to see what the race looks like in the future.