A successful team beats with ONE heart
A Team RunFree Navigator is the 'engine' of each race team. They provide the leg power and steer their Captain through races and other fun runs. Navigators must be more than just runners. We look for those who have a true passion to share fun times and 'miles of smiles' with their Captain. The race may end at the finish line, but the relationships and memories continue.
Captains are the reason Team RunFree exists. They are individuals who have special needs and are physically unable to run. Ages range from four up into adult years. Captains ride in special adaptive run carts as our Navigators race with them in 5K, 10K, half marathons and even full marathons. This allows them to have a fully immersive running experience.
Our guide runners are a special group of people. In tandem with the blind athletes, they develop a communication system which allows the team to run safely ... and have a lot of fun. Most of our athletes have at least two guides on their team. This makes it easier for the athletes to train frequently and work with their guides' schedules and availability. They wear bright Synergy team shirts which also display 'Guide Runner' or 'Blind Athlete' on the back. This is helpful during races, as it shows others runners that this duo runs as a team.
The blind athletes on our Synergy team are runners who are committed to moving beyond the challenge of not having sight. They work with their guide runners to develop a system which frees them to put their full trust in their guide. Usually, their first run outing begins with 'guide walking' which allows them to communicate and navigate at a slower moving pace. From there, they progress to actual team running. Great friendships form as these athletes share miles, stories ... and life.
We are blessed with a great board of directors. Our board is comprised of men and women with varied backgrounds, careers and skills. Some are runners, some are directly connected with the special needs community and others bring much needed business experience to our team. The common thread is that each is committed to help Team RunFree be successful in serving the special needs community.
Their skills, experiences, wisdom and backgrounds combine to create a team which brings great vision to our adaptive running organization. The integrity of this team assures that Team RunFree manages our resources in the best possible way. Their wisdom helps us operate in a way that provides the greatest impact in the lives of many, many individuals and families.
