Supported Runner and Sports Project
Mass-participation running events are open to everyone, but not always accessible to everyone. A One Poll survey* found a third of disabled people felt that sporting events were not set up to cater for them. Four in ten did not feel confident enough to take part. We are determined to change that!
Many people surveyed believed access to trained volunteers would give them the confidence to take part. In partnership with the Nissan Possibilities Project, we set up our Supported Runner Project and piloted our Supported Swimmer Project at Swim Serpentine in 2025. Our volunteers are experienced runners and swimmers who are trained by us to provide disabled people with the support, access, encouragement, and motivation they need to take part in running and swimming events.
It doesn’t matter what type of impairment you have. You may be neurodiverse, have a physical or learning disability, or a sensory impairment. If you want to run or swim, we will connect you with a Support Runner or Support Swimmer who will provide the support you need on the day.
*Reference One Poll survey
Need a Support Runner?
Find out more and discover upcoming events
If you're a disabled person who wants to take part in a running event but needs support, we’ll match you with a trained Support Runner to help you every step of the way. Discover upcoming events and apply for a Support Runner.
If you are local to Colwick Nottingham, and are keen to start or continue your running journey with support, we are here to help you. On every second Saturday of the month, we will have a team of support runners available to run alongside you and support you to cross the finish line.
Get involved in our Colwick parkrun pilot
Supported Swimmer Project
Our Supported Swimmer Project pairs disabled swimmers with trained support swimmers for training and on event day. We piloted the project at Swim Serpentine in 2025 with Team Sophie and will share future opportunities as the project grows. Find out more about the project.