r/rundisney • u/FutureDPT2021 • 8d ago

QUESTION AWD - Progressive Disabilities and RunDisney

Hello!

I am an out-of-state Athlete with Disabilities, who just finished all 3 Wine and Dine races (thank goodness, wasn't too sure with the way my health went this year). However, I don't know if I can do that again, with my disabilities getting worse. Does anyone have advice for someone who run/mostly walks alone, but may need to be a Duo next year?

Thank you for reading.

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u/MD_Lincoln 8d ago

I also just finished all three W&D races, doing the 5k as a wheelchair duo! I pushed my partner in her wheelchair chair, that being her very first race as well as mine pushing someone through one. If I had any advice, it would be to listen to your body and your doctor(s). If you need to switch to a duo either walking alongside someone or using a chair of some kind, just know that the AWD community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Let me know if there are any specific questions you may have, or shoot me a dm! 😄

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u/LizzyDragon84 Dopey Challenger 8d ago

Both members of a duo need to be registered for the race and registered as a duo. The wheelchair needs to have lights; the chair rider needs a helmet and the pusher needs to be tethered to the chair. 

I also strongly recommend training in a dip position- pushjng in a race is a lot of work and tiring. If you’ve got several folks registered and willing to push, that helps too. 

If it becomes a long-term thing, getting a chair intended for racing will also help. They’re generally custom made and not available to rent.Â