An Amazing Race: Athletes Serving Athletes

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ASA teams are composed of an ASA athlete, along with a group of wingmen who run together taking turns pushing adaptive joggers. Now, over 350 runners volunteer with ASA to support the 86 ASA athletes within the program. While these numbers are impressive, the Anne Arundel County chapter of ASA currently has a waitlist of athletes interested in racing.

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“We don’t have enough wingmen to build teams,” says Robin Ward, whose daughter, Corey, is an ASA athlete. “We never want to say to a family, ‘Sorry, you can’t join.’” Corey, who suffered a traumatic brain injury when she was just two years old, was introduced to ASA when Robin started participating in a Charm City Run training program in 2015. But she never imagined that their involvement would be so impactful. “Being out and participating in mainstream sporting events is huge,” says Robin, who notes that Corey’s first time flying on an airplane was in 2018 when the two women traveled to Orlando for Corey to compete in her first marathon: the Walt Disney WorldMarathon.

“It’s not just a race for people who have disabilities – you’re competing with able-bodied people. And the people who have supported her are now lifelong friends.” This inclusion is hugely impactful on ASA athletes, but it also creates a support network for families that doesn’t necessarily exist in many other areas of life. “Our children may have varying levels of disabilities, but we’re all in the same boat. When we show up to training runs, nobody’s looking at another like, ‘that’s odd.’ We’re all in a safe space.” Robin says. “I’ve learned about so many resources available for Corey simply by listening to other parents while waiting for Corey to finish a training run at the Navy Stadium at 7 AM”

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For ASA wingmen, racing isn’t about achieving a personal best. The goal and the focus are always on the athlete, and positively impacting another human being’s life. In 2024, athletes had almost 30 opportunities during the year to engage with their teammates outside of the races, creating a positive environment where athletes are treated as teammates on equal footing. ASA athletes have over 100 races on the calendar for 2025, and the group needs more wingmen to get more athletes to the starting lines. ASA Founder and Director David Slomkowski likes participants to know that wingmen do not need to be the strongest runners. “We run at the back of the pack,” he says. “If you can run a 12.5-minute mile, you can run with us.”

If you are ready to take your running to the next level, Athletes Serving Athletes is waiting for you. Visit www.asa.run for more information on joining.

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UPCOMING EVENT

Join us for happy hour to learn how ASA is making a difference in the Annapolis Community!

• Wednesday, May 28
• 5:30–7:30 PM
• Level Small Plates Lounge

RSVP requested. The event is free with a suggested minimum donation of $25 to cover food and drinks. To RSVP visit asa.run, click Events then ASA in Annapolis.