Story added: 31st August 2025

Charlotte's Story

At Run Norwich, every participant has their own story – and in 2024 we were proud to welcome our first wheelchair athlete, Charlotte. Returning for #RN25 we took a moment to catch up with her to understand what it’s really like to take on the course on wheels, the highs and lows and to understand why, from her perspective, it’s so important for all runners to respect the race day rules.

This is your second year taking part in Run Norwich – welcome back! What inspired you to return?

Thank you for having me back! A bit of backstory about me, last year I became the first wheelchair user to attempt the Run Norwich 10k. At the time it was the great unknown. We, the organisers and myself, didn’t know if it would be possible or safe for someone in a wheelchair to take part. So there was a lot of pressure to succeed as it meant I was paving the way for people with disabilities who use a mobile aid.

With huge thanks to the Run Norwich organisers who gave me the opportunity to compete, I crossed that finish line and proved it was possible.

This year, the groundwork is done. I’m back now to represent wheelchair users in the hope that this becomes a regular, inclusive part of the event. I may have been the first wheelchair user to cross the finish line, but my dream is that I won’t be the last.

What does Run Norwich mean to you as an event and as part of the wider community?

To me, Run Norwich is all about inclusivity. For one day a year, I’m not just seen as “that disabled girl”, I’m a competitor, a fellow runner. It’s a chance to show the community my strength and passion, and they show it right back in the most beautiful way.

What’s your favourite memory from last year’s race?

The moments of kindness from fellow runners are my favorite memories. Three times during the race others stopped to help me despite it costing them time and energy. One runner caught me when I tipped back on a hill, another pushed me up Rose Lane, and someone else gave me a boost on a steep incline later on.

They didn’t know how much it meant to get me across the finish line but I wouldn’t have made it without them. I owe them a debt of gratitude. I cannot thank those who helped me profusely enough.

How is your training going for this year’s race?

Training always feels like there’s never enough of it, it’s probably nerves before the big day! But I go to physio at Able2B, I play wheelchair rugby with the Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby Club, I mono-ski at the Norfolk Snowsports Club, and I squeeze in road runs whenever I can around all that. I’m hoping all the work pays off on race day.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when training or racing, and how do you overcome them?

Equipment is my biggest hurdle. To race I need a specialized racing wheelchair, which is a wheelchair that has two big wheels at the back with one large wheel in the front. These chairs are expensive and stupidly fragile. Since there’s not a racing club in Norfolk, last year I had to figure racing out on my own and ended up with a junky chair as it was the best I could afford. It also happened to be several sizes too big.

It’s a bit like running in concrete shoes that are three sizes too big. It’s quite an unwieldy, uncomfortable thing to use.

It also breaks easily. My biggest fear is a tyre puncture mid race. Due to my disability I don’t have the hand dexterity to fix it. Honestly, my current solution is to cross my fingers, and probably cross my toes too, and pray it doesn’t happen. If it does I’ll troubleshoot on the fly. Disability life is all about adapting.

Why is it important for fellow participants to follow the rules around headphones and fancy dress on race day?

It’s a safety issue for me and for you. My racing wheelchair goes fast downhill, much faster than runners. If you’re wearing headphones or an inflatable costume, you may not hear me coming when I’m shouting to pass. If you step in front of me without realising, we could both end up badly hurt. To keep you safe on downhills, I need you to listen for me. I need your ears open.

On the uphill, I’m very slow and low to the ground. Inflatable costumes reduce your vision, and last year I had people trip over me from behind due to their obscured vision, including a group of inflatable unicorns! My wish is people will avoid wearing anything that obscures their sight or hearing, it makes a huge difference to safety for all of us.

What would you like runners to keep in mind when they see a wheelchair participant on the course?

My race chair is designed to go fast in a straight line. It doesn’t steer easily, I have to pop wheelies to turn. Braking is also limited. So please avoid spreading out across the road in wide groups. If I shout “on your left” or “on your right,” please let me through. I do not manoeuver well and my stopping distance has a lot to be desired.

Staying in single file or to one side really helps me. And as said above, keep your ears and eyes open for me.

Also, running is a million times easier with your legs. Using a wheelchair is immensely difficult. I will be suffering the whole run and I very much appreciate any and all acts of compassion.

What message would you give to others who are thinking of taking part, but aren’t sure if they can?

Don’t wait. I used to put things off thinking I’ll do it next year when I have more time or I’m skinnier or I’ve had more training. Then I became disabled and lost the ability to walk.

When signups opened February 2024, I was bedbound. I saw Run Norwich as a bucket list moment; it was now or never for I didn’t know if I’d be alive in the next year. Take it from me, don’t wait for the perfect time, create the moment now. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

And if you have a disability, reach out to the Run Norwich organisers. If you’re a wheelchair user, I’d love to help you get across that finish line. You can reach out to Run Norwich and/or you can also find me at Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby Club. We’re a welcoming group open to anyone aged 14 and up (our eldest member is 64) with a physical disability. You do not need to be a wheelchair user, our members range from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, limb differences, neurological issues, CP, to spinal injuries. We are a disability social club first and we would love to meet you.

Who or what inspires you most on race day?

My husband, Travis. It was actually his idea for me to enter last year and because of that, I’ve met so many incredible people and had experiences I never thought possible.

What does finishing a race like Run Norwich feel like for you?

It’s joy. It’s reward. From the energy at the starting line, the kindness of strangers along the way, the cheers from the crowd, to the overwhelming feeling of achievement at the end, it’s unforgettable, it’s happiness.