Disabled runners eager to participate in this weekend’s Brooklyn Half are expressing concerns that the organizers are making it harder for them to secure their bibs. There’s a new rule in place that requires visually impaired, paralyzed, and other athletes with special needs to petition to have a recognized “vital” second guide for the race.
Sonya Chaudhry, a long-time volunteer with Achilles International, voiced her frustration: “Why do individuals with clear disabilities have to find multiple guides now? Honestly, it feels discouraging.”
Earlier in March, Road Runners stirred confusion when they announced a ban on allowing two guides for disabled runners, only to retract that uniform decision shortly after, following significant backlash from supporters.
The organization later informed media that the previous email was a mistake, clarifying that the actual rules would involve an application to obtain a second guide, which might not always be approved.
A spokesperson for New York Road Runners stated that the aim is to reduce barriers and allow as many participants as possible to enjoy the events. However, they acknowledged that the new procedures could be complicated and that changes happen frequently.
According to them, the law necessitates an interactive process, so each accommodation request is evaluated individually. There’s no simple solution that fits all situations.
Road Runners claimed that out of 16 requests for a second guide, only three were denied, with the reasoning being that those specific athletes only required one guide. Still, at least one runner indicated that he was turned down just two days before the race.
Michael Ring, a paraplegic athlete advocating for disability rights, recounted his initial denial for a second guide until he suggested potential legal action against the organizers. “It was incredibly frustrating. It seemed they had established a cookie-cutter policy without really consulting people with disabilities,” he remarked. His experience, along with his two guides, was showcased in Road Runner’s upcoming documentary.
Mr. Ring discussed the importance of his two guides, likening them to “Secret Service agents,” as they help protect him from potential collisions during the race. “If I didn’t have two guides, I wouldn’t even participate,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Susan P. felt fortunate to be approved for a second guide only a week before the race, following a challenging application process.
Emily Glasser, president and CEO of Road Runners, highlighted that the path to the starting line is already fraught with challenges for disabled individuals, emphasizing that efforts should focus on removing barriers rather than adding them.
She acknowledged the stress and unfairness that the last-minute changes created, not just for candidates but also for the guides who had been preparing for the race without certainty about their participation. Susan, who has limited vision, stressed that having two guides is vital, especially for longer distances like the Brooklyn Half.
In her experience, one guide can offer verbal directions while the other communicates with fellow runners to ensure a clear path. The second guide also assists in finding supportive family members and engaging with cheering crowds along the route.
To Susan, having that extra support doesn’t just enhance safety; it also makes the emotional experience of running feel more balanced. She expressed how amazing it feels to complete a race with the same sense of achievement that sighted runners experience.
Road Runners indicated that they are working to provide additional support for athletes with disabilities navigating the new application process. Conversely, Achilles International noted that they receive frequent reports of challenges faced by runners having to re-register for each event.
Ultimately, the message from Emily Glasser resonates: the journey to the starting line should be easier for individuals with disabilities, as the focus should be on removing barriers, not reinforcing them. Athletes shouldn’t have to wonder if they’ll get the necessary support to participate safely and fairly on race day, nor should they repeatedly have to justify their required accommodations.
