For Julie McElroy, life changing events were no barrier to making her sports dreams come true
WORDS: DANIELLA THEIS
Running a half marathon, around 22 kilometres or 13 miles, is no easy feat for anyone. However, for Dr Julie McElroy from Glasgow, this was even more of a challenge.
As well as recovering from a traumatic accident that injured her groin, left her in chronic pain and using a wheelchair, the runner from Glasgow has Cerebral Palsy (CP), a lifelong condition that affects her hearing and mobility.
Not only did Julie complete the race in the time she’d hoped for, taking only two hours and 20 minutes, she was also the first frame runner to do so.
“A few years ago, I never would have thought I could manage what I have managed now,” she says. “Frame running is quite a new sport.
“I think it’s going to be a fantastic catalyst, not only for frame running or my running club, but just for people to understand it and to see it.” palsy. I was aware and I would cope with it,” she says.
However, Julie experienced significant pain after her accident, turning to medication to get through it.
She says she tried to voice her concerns to doctors, but they were dismissed as part of her CP and only taken seriously once a scan identified a groin injury.
“When I finally had a scan, people started to believe that I was actually physically injured with a groin injury, Despite these challenges Julie went on to enter The Great Scottish Run using a frame runner, a device similar in looks to a tricycle but with an added supporting breast plate and no pedals.
Julie was already making waves before she took up frame running. She has a PhD from the University of West of Scotland, her research exploring assistive technology for people with disabilities while in education, has written for several publications, and has always been vocal about what it is like to live with Cerebral Palsy.
She was also physically active in other ways, such as cycling and swimming, and was a Duke of Edinburgh Award ambassador.
However, the accident changed that.
“Before the accident, I know I had cerebral which is such a complicated injury to diagnose. To get all the medical professionals behind me was such a relief.
“People with disabilities find it hard to get a voice. I think if you don’t have the personality or charismatic skill to do it, it can be very hard.
“M
