Camas runners walk off meet in protest of male athlete

Holly Burns and approximately twelve other girls from Camas High School walked away from a cross-country race in Washington on Tuesday, refusing to compete against a male athlete who had transitioned to the girls' team. Footage of the protest, which took place during the October 13 meet at the Underwriters Lab campus, has spread across social media, drawing attention to the state's ongoing debate over transgender athlete eligibility. The race was scheduled for 4 p.m., with Camas hosting Battle Ground. While half of the field, including the male athlete, ran, Burns and the other half of the girls walked past the starting line into the tree line, forfeiting their participation in the competition. Kevin and Sarah Burns, Holly's parents, told OutKick that their daughter initially hesitated to create a disturbance. They stated they supported her decision to wait and see how her teammates felt. As discussions among the runners intensified, the group decided to act collectively. Kevin Burns noted that the team's unified stance reinforced his daughter's choice to protest. The parents arrived at the event with signs, which security challenged them for holding. Kevin Burns described a back-and-forth with security regarding public expression on private property. He held his sign despite guards following him and warning him to leave. Other parents approached the couple; some offered support while others expressed fear of backlash. Sarah Burns recounted a confrontation with a woman who identified herself as a psychiatric nurse. The woman accused Burns of causing psychological harm to children by protesting. Burns stated she stood by her actions for moral reasons. The Burnses acknowledged that some runners chose to compete to preserve their postseason opportunities. They do not know yet if the walkout will impact Holly's season goals. The athlete at the center of the dispute competed in a boys' junior varsity race at the Ultimook meet in Oregon on September 5, finishing 76th. By September 15, the runner was participating in a girls' race at a Camas meet involving Skyview. The Burnses have not spoken with the athlete or their family. They maintain that the runner should compete on the boys' team, arguing that it is unfair to girls who have trained extensively for the sport. Camas School District states it follows Washington law and Washington Interscholastic Activities Association eligibility rules. The Burnses argue this policy discriminates against their daughter and other girls seeking fair competition. On November 3, Washington voters will decide Initiative 638. The measure would prohibit students defined as biologically male from competing in certain female-only interschool athletic competitions. It would require verification of biological sex from a healthcare provider for those seeking to enter such events. The Burnses support the initiative but note it would take effect 30 days after the election. Washington's state cross-country championships are scheduled for November 7, before the measure could take effect if approved. A separate dispute involving high school wrestler K.M.K. and her mother Stephanie Brown has reached the Supreme Court. They requested emergency relief to decline competition against male athletes without penalty. The WIAA opposed the application, arguing it conflicts with state law and compromises privacy. No ruling has been issued on the application. In April 2025, federal authorities launched an inquiry into Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction following an executive order aimed at safeguarding female athletic opportunities. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal defended Washington's policies, stating the state has allowed students to participate consistent with their gender identity since 2007 unless federal law changes. The Burnses plan to return to future meets with more organized protests and additional signs. They expressed hope that their actions will encourage other families to speak up for girls' rights in athletics.