Ilkley Harriers Learning Disability Running Group Nominated for England Athletics Award
The short version
- Ilkley Harriers LD Running Group nominated for Unsung Project of the Year at England Athletics regional volunteer awards
- Group founded by Caroline Tong in 2024 and grew from three to 13 regular runners
- Meets Tuesdays at Ilkley tennis club alongside the wider Harriers club
- Members report improved fitness, confidence and race participation, including Ilkley 5k finishes
A UK running group founded in 2024 to open the sport to people with learning disabilities has grown to 13 regulars and is up for an England Athletics volunteer honor.
A weekly running group for people with learning disabilities, organized by members of Ilkley Harriers in West Yorkshire, England, has been nominated for an England Athletics regional volunteer award. The group is a finalist for Unsung Project of the Year, with the winner to be announced Friday.
Caroline Tong founded the group in 2024 after running gave her resilience and friendship through life's ups and downs. She said people with learning disabilities often lack the same opportunities in sport, and she wanted to boost visibility and participation rather than just talk about inclusivity.
The group began with three runners and now has 13 regular participants who jog around Ilkley each Tuesday evening. Volunteer leaders accompany the runs, which start at the town's tennis club alongside the wider Harriers sessions so members feel included.
Runners credit the group with improving fitness, confidence and friendships. George, 23, has completed the Ilkley 5k twice, while Alice, 26, has taken part in Parkruns in nearby Skipton and Keighley. Volunteer Ruth Jones said some members who initially could not run a full lap of the park without resting now complete it.