13 We met the Joelette ‘Pilots’ – Alan and Gemma, who both have Cerebral Palsy – at Pollock Park on the day before the GSR. This gave us all a chance to meet each other and to try, for the first time, running with the Joelette. The BBC sent along a film crew to cover the story – it seemed like this was big news. The day of the GSR started like any other race day; I suppose every runner experiences those pre-race nerves. The JAPES team were a little more nervous than usual, I felt. After all, this was the first time such a thing had happened in a UK race and, for me (and others), it was the first time running as part of a team. JAPES’ founder, Nelson Liddle – also an occasional runner with jogscotland Airdrie – had organised a great team of nine runners and a superb support crew on the ground to make sure everything was in place for a successful day.
The JAPES crew with Pilot Gemma and Nelson with the green bib at the front.
Any nerves soon disappeared as we set off up St Vincent Street to take on the 13.1 miles of Glasgow that lay ahead. The support from other runners and the crowds that lined the streets was fantastic. If I had to pick one highlight – well, two highlights – it was hearing the laughter of our two Pilots as we accompanied them around the course: Alan for the first half of the race, and then Gemma who took over for the second half. It was great to see ‘inclusion through participation’ (JAPES mission) taking place. The BBC obviously though so too, since they stopped us mid-run for an interview. When I watched the footage later at home I had to laugh – there I was, glancing at my Garmin wondering how the time was going and how long they were going to detain us. Old habits die hard, I suppose. But this run wasn’t about the time, it was about the experience, and I believe the runners got as much out of the whole event as the Pilots did. The smiles all round when we crossed the finish line proved that. This wasn’t just any Great Scottish Run, it was a great Great Scottish Run. If you would like to run with JAPES, or know anyone who would like to be a Pilot, you can contact JAPES via their website www.japes.scot or by emailing info@japes.scot. Ted leads jogscotland in Salsburgh most Wednesday nights. jogscotland magazine
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stride Winter 2016