The Richard Whitehead Foundation expands Supported Runner Programme to feature Maverick trail runs
The Richard Whitehead Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Maverick Race, marking an exciting expansion of our Supported Runner Programme to feature Maverick trail-running events starting in 2026.
This collaboration follows the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a moment that highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion across all areas of life, including sport and movement. At the Richard Whitehead Foundation, our mission is to remove barriers and create opportunities for disabled people to take part in physical activity. Working with Maverick Race strengthens this mission and allows us to extend our support into the trail-running community.
Through this partnership, our Supported Runner Programme will provide trained support runners, matched to the needs of disabled participants, at a variety of Maverick events. These support runners enable individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental-health-related impairments to participate safely, confidently, and inclusively. This expansion ensures that more disabled people can enjoy the unique challenge and freedom of trail running.
Maverick Race is known for creating welcoming, accessible outdoor experiences. Their events offer multiple route options and a friendly, non-elite atmosphere that encourages people of all abilities to get outside and explore. This ethos aligns closely with our own commitment to inclusion. As Maverick Race describes:
“Maverick Race is a trail-running organisation dedicated to getting everyone out into the great outdoors. By offering multiple route options at every event and keeping the atmosphere welcoming rather than elite-focused, we aim to make trail running more approachable for newcomers while still challenging experienced runners. We are excited to take this next step in our commitment to accessibility by working with the Richard Whitehead Foundation to allow more runners in need of support to take part in our events. Together we hope to break down barriers, inspire confidence, and help more people discover the joy of exploring on the trails.”
Expanding our Supported Runner Programme to include Maverick trail runs represents a significant step forward in improving accessibility within outdoor sport. We look forward to supporting more disabled athletes as they take on new challenges, discover the joy of trail running, and experience the camaraderie of the Maverick community.
Interested in taking part?
If you have a disability and would like to take part in a trail run with the support of a runner by your side, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at supportedrunner@whitehead.foundation to register your interest, and check out upcoming event dates on the Maverick website:
🔗 https://www.maverick-race.com/races