Celebrating Inclusivity at Glasgow’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, on Sunday 6 October, is set to be the biggest run weekend ever. Here, inspiring runners with a personal cause talk about their reasons for running as part of the Great Scottish Run ‘Power of Running’ series.
Running is more than just a personal challenge for Andrew Tomlinson; it’s a mission. Living with Hemiplegic cerebral palsy, Andrew’s left arm and leg have been paralysed. As a member of Bellahouston Road Runners, he wants to make road races and running clubs more accessible to people with disabilities and is taking part in this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run Half Marathon.
Initially starting his running journey five years ago to improve his mental health, it’s led Andrew to complete all six World Marathon Majors, something he never imagined possible, and the Great Scottish Run is where he feels most at home.
“Marathons bring people together,” Andrew said. “You meet so many people with all kinds of amazing stories.
“You get thousands of people all with one purpose. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, whether you’re able bodied or disabled, religious or not, male or female – everyone shares the same race. Everyone does it together, and everyone supports each other. The camaraderie and the community is fantastic. A marathon shows the humanity of us all.”
Running has had a profound impact on him, helping him battle anxiety and depression. It has also allowed him to connect with people from around the world—from Japan to the USA to Kirkcaldy. Through running, he’s raised money for causes close to his heart, like the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Andrew says running has given him independence and belonging. Now he hopes to inspire others, especially those with disabilities, to pick up a pair of running shoes and start their journey, “Running can bring down barriers. I want to prove that, with the right support, people with cerebral palsy can be active and get fit and be part of normal everyday society.”
With the weekend expected to sell out, don’t miss out on being a part of Scotland’s Greatest. Glasgow, gaun yersel!, and click here to sign up today.
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