Tips On Sharing The Road

Important ways to recognize and respect your fellow athletes with disabilities

As a runner, you likely enjoy the sense of freedom you gain when you set out by yourself on a run. But, being part of a large, organized road race is a very different experience! There may be a few challenges even experienced runners may not anticipate, such as running with athletes with disabilities.

Achilles International is an organization that helps people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events.

Athletes could be on the course in a hand cycle or racing wheelchair, running on a prosthetic leg, or be a visually impaired or mobility impaired athlete running with a guide. Our athletes and guides wear neon yellow shirts for visibility. The words BLIND RUNNER and GUIDE are in bold letters on the front and back of their shirts.

As a fellow runner, please be aware of the following guidelines to help support these inspiring athletes and ensure they have a safe and successful race:

• Be aware of athletes with disabilities on the course and take caution not to swerve or stop suddenly in front of them.
• Never tap a disabled runner on the shoulder, even to congratulate them, as it can lead to a loss of balance and subsequent fall.
• Respect the tether. If you see a rope (tether) connecting two athletes, or see a shirt that says “GUIDE” closely leading another runner,
• DO NOT break through the tether or cut the pair off.
• Wheelchairs should pass on the left, so keep to the right if you see one approaching. Many hand cycles will have fluorescent orange or yellow flags to identify them. The majority of wheelchair racers will be well ahead of the lead runners; however some may be mixed in the pack.
• Reduce the volume on your headphones, if you use them, so you can be aware of your surroundings. It is important that you hear verbal cues or announcements from wheelchair athletes or other athletes with disabilities.
• Be alert and aware that you are sharing the course with athletes who share the same drive, determination, and love of running as you do, but who need an extra degree of mindfulness!

We wish all the runners an enjoyable, safe race, and support each athlete’s efforts to reach their full potential with every stride toward the finish line!