Description

In this episode, Brendan is joined by Amanda Sandoval and Bernie Tretta from the Houston Marathon to discuss the inclusion of athletes with disabilities in the race. They share the initial reservations and safety considerations they had when implementing inclusive practices in the race, as well as the education and training provided to volunteers and athletes. They highlight the importance of feedback from athletes and the efforts made to accommodate their needs. The discussion also covers the accessibility of the course, partnerships with disability organizations, and the memorable moments and success stories from the race. The conversation concludes with suggestions for race directors to make their events more inclusive.

For more information on the Houston Marathon and to get involved, visit the Houston Marathon Website linked here: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/

Episode 49 Takeaways

• Actively listen to the needs and feedback of athletes with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard and respected in all aspects of athletic events.
• Prioritize creating channels for open communication and feedback loops to continuously improve inclusivity and accommodation.
• Offer comprehensive education and training programs for both volunteers and athletes to increase awareness and understanding of disabilities.
• Provide resources and workshops to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate inclusive participation.
• Prioritize safety measures that cater to the diverse needs of participants, including emergency procedures tailored to different abilities.
• Forge strategic partnerships with disability organizations to leverage their expertise and resources in promoting inclusivity.
• Embrace a culture of knowledge-sharing by actively seeking insights and best practices from other races and events.
• Proactively reach out to athletes with disabilities and create welcoming environments that prioritize their participation.
• Implement inclusive registration processes and accommodation options to ensure all athletes feel valued and supported in their athletic pursuits.

Episode 49 Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

01:07 - Inclusion of Athletes with Disabilities in the Houston Marathon

02:28 - Biggest Safety Considerations

03:25 - Education and Training for Volunteers and Athletes

04:25 - Bike Guides for Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Athletes

05:14 - Feedback and Insight from Athletes with Disabilities

06:33 - Registration and Accommodations

08:15 - Expansion of Categories and Future Inclusion

10:42 - Memorable Moments and Success Stories

13:14 - Course Accessibility and Safety Measures

17:45 - Facilities and Accessibility Details

22:40 - Volunteer Roles and Support for Athletes

23:12 - Favorite Moments and Emotional Highlights

26:21 - Comparison to Other Inclusive Marathons

28:07 - Steps for Race Directors to Make Events More Inclusive

33:30 - Importance of Communication and Learning from Other Races