Sofía Camacho Ferral Hopes to Bring More Visibility to Non-Binary and Trans Runners
When Sofía Camacho Ferral broke the tape at this year’s RBC Brooklyn Half as the top non-binary finisher, they also achieved a PR in the distance with a time of 1:14:06.
“I was really excited when I turned the corner and realized I’d be breaking the tape! Even the PR was pleasantly unexpected,” Sofía said.
A Change in Mindset
The 25-year-old ran cross country at Columbia University which they said helped their competitive nature and build the confidence needed to race.
“It created a feeling inside me that consistently tells me I have more potential to unlock. This keeps me hungry for more improvement, I'm always looking to elevate whether that's with running, art, or anything I put my mind to.”
Sofía also credits their win to a change in mindset after getting used to life after college; balancing work, nightlife, and running. They said they were too hard on themself thinking with an all or nothing mentality and not racing if they felt they were too out of shape.
“This year, I started going into running with the mentality that I would simply try my best. I signed up for more races without feeling like I had to be in the best shape of my life to race, and now tackle workouts straight-through even if my splits are a little off.”
Next up, Sofía is setting their sights on this year’s TCS New York City Marathon and to have a consistent build leading up to the race to see how much they can push themself.
Being a Non-Binary Runner
As a coach for the Mile High Run Club, Sofía wants to build a safe environment for queer runners to come and get a good workout in while also listening to a “sickening playlist.”
“As someone who works in nightlife, I have experience when it comes to fostering a positive and welcoming community. In queer culture specifically, we find our chosen family and have each other's backs, which is something I think anyone can learn from.”
Racing in the non-binary category is meaningful to Sofía in many ways. They said it’s helped their running both physically and mentally.
“I don’t have to run in discomfort or force womanhood for the sake of running within the gender binary. I also love meeting fellow non-binary runners.”
When asked if they felt there is enough LGBTQIA+ representation in the running space, Sofía said they think there is still a lot of work to do not just in June, during Pride month, but year-round.
“Trans and non-binary runners are everywhere, but I think more brands or PR spaces need to seek us out and give us that visibility. It is so important for queer folk to be represented and feel seen, but it is definitely something we all need to work on as a whole.”
They said they are trying to get more involved in the NYC running community.
“Contrary to what my day [as a] coach and night [as a] drag performer suggest, I’m very shy when it comes to putting myself out there. I’m trying to be more visible as a successful queer runner so that other queer/trans folk feel seen in athletics.”
Sofía has been a member of the Brooklyn Track Club (BKTC) for almost two years now and said they are making a more conscious effort to attend group runs and form relationships with fellow teammates.
“I often feel like I am floating in between worlds just because BKTC doesn't have a performance non-binary team yet, so I find myself somewhat within the women's performance team but also not really…. I’m hoping that as I continue to make my mark in the running scene, I can simultaneously bring more visibility to trans and non-binary runners.”
Overcoming Trauma
Sofía started running their junior year in high school after moving to the U.S. because they were eager to find a sport they liked and was drawn to the “rawness and accessibility of it.”
“My start with running was extremely difficult, so I’ve been trying to build community in the NYC running scene to reclaim the sport. I am a victim of grooming and childhood sexual assault (CSA) at the hands of my high school track and field coach. Grooming is essentially when an adult forms a relationship with a child with the goal to pursue sexual interests or manipulate the child into illegal activity. In my case, it was both of [these] things.”
While some of their worst memories are from their first few years of running, they said they are “heart-warmed” that some of their most positive memories have been this past season with the NYC running community.
“I always try to be very open and vocal about my high school running experience. At the time, I was scouring the internet for experiences similar to mine and I couldn’t find much. I just want to be a resource so other young runners have tools to know they aren’t alone.”
They said they are available to chat via DM on Instagram at @sof_camacho or their drag account @xanawhoria.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support.