Manchester Frame Running - Getting disabled people running

Hello, my name is Claire, and I am the founder of Ability Consultancy and lead coach to the most incredible group of disabled people who want to run. Manchester Frame Running Hub was established in 2022 to provide people with neurological impairments such as Cerebral Palsy the chance to run – many of these people have not had the experience of running in their life before.

Frame running, is an adaptive athletic discipline, primarily for people with severe coordination and balance impairments such as cerebral palsy. Athletes use a three-wheeled running frame, with a saddle, body support and most notably, no pedals. Athletes run over distances similar to other track and road running disciplines; from 100m all the way up to marathons. Like running more generally, frame running can be competitive, recreational, or for health and fitness, but more importantly, can tackle loneliness and discrimination.

We operate out of the Manchester Regional Arena every Wednesday between 5pm-6.30pm and currently have a group of around 8-10 athletes. However, many other people are missing out on this opportunity due to the lack of equipment at our club. Each frame costs between £3,000-£5,000 to purchase and the club has a number of their own, but we need more to accommodate the ever-increasing waiting list.

Following our appearance on the local ITV news, our waiting list has reached over 10 so we are fundraising for 4 new frames, and accessories so each frame can be tailored to meet the person’s specific needs along with a long-term storage unit at the track.

Costs:

This is a typical cost of the average-sized frame used.

£2,650 - PETRA Running Frame Size 4 (P4)

£160 - PETRA PUR Curved Chest Support with Strap Size

£90 - PETRA Viscount Adult Unicycle Saddle

£160 - PETRA 4&5 Off-Set Drop Link (9cm)

£25 - PETRA Chest Support Clamp

£50 - PETRA Seat Posts

£75 - RFDEL Running Frame Delivery

£3,210 - Subtotal

£642 - VAT 20%

£3,852 - TOTAL

To buy 4 frames we need to raise £15,408.

We would like to have a range of saddles and chest plates costing around £2,000.

A storage unit or container would cost us £3,000 to buy and have it installed.

This is a typical frame runner

This is what some of the participants say:

"The sport of frame running has allowed me to become fitter and use muscles that I haven't used for several years. This is the best form of cardio that I have tried, as it allows me to push myself further than other sports I've tried previously.

Having the ability to run has allowed me to take part in Parkrun. Doing this has not only improved my cardio but also had a positive impact socially and on my mental well-being. Without

this activity I believe that I would not be as happy as I am with regard to my disability."