It’s Monday evening and James Daniel is the front runner in an informal 5K jog through Yahoola Creek Park.
But he’s not in the lead.
That position belongs to his running-rolling partner Nathan Valencia.
As Daniel strides through the park on the weekly ConnectAbilty Race for a Reason group run, Nathan pumps away on his hand cycle, powering the front wheel of his speedy racing wheel chair and giving Daniel a boost in the process. (His tie-dyed teddy bear lends a hand as well.)
It’s called Race for a Reason.
And if you’re wondering what the reason is, look no further than Nathan and his fellow rolling-racers.
“Nathan’s physical therapist said he was not progressing in his therapy,” said Daniel at mid-stride while The Nugget worked to keep up. “But after a couple of months of being involved in the run with a group of friends, and also being able to adapt to something he enjoys, like hand-cycling outside instead of being inside a hospital, he’s done amazing.”
That’s the idea behind the neighborhood run which welcomes all.
Each week they gather in a group and set out at much different paces.
Some run, some walk, some roll. But all are included in the cardio connecting.
“There are some really elite athletes for sure who are involved but everybody who is involved is ready and willing to accommodate everybody’s needs,” said Jacqueline Daniel, founder of ConnectAbility. “We just want to invite everybody in.”
Race for a Reason just completed their last jog of the season on Monday. But for those who want to join in, an even bigger run awaits.
RACING INTO NEW YEAR
This year the folks at ConnectAbility have shifted their popular fundraising fall 5K to December 31 for their first-ever Noon Year's Eve 5K run.
“Sleep in, then arrive to enjoy a sparkling cider toast, a fun Noon Year’s Eve countdown and finish out 2024 with a 5K!” states their sign up page.
The event will kick off in Yahoola Creek Park at noon on Dec. 31. All are invited.
And, in keeping with the ConnectAbility philosophy, all will be encouraged along the way as well.
That’s all part of the appeal said Race for a Reason run leader Sarah Snyder, who recently sat down for a promotional video for the big race.
“There’s just something so amazing about seeing the sense of accomplishment that they feel,” she said while describing past 5K finishes. “And being able to experience it. And being cheered on by all of these people that…are giving them encouragement and giving them this experience that they otherwise wouldn’t get to have. Being a part of that, it’s such a gift.”
It’s a gift that Nathan’s mother Leslie Valencia is grateful to receive.
“There’s old people, there’s young people, there’s slow kids, there’s fast kids and we all just fit in. And we don’t fit in anywhere we go,” she said. “And this is a place that we all fit in.”
For more information about ConnectAbility and the upcoming Noon Year’s Eve run, check into connectabilityinc.org.