“NOT ACCEPT applications for wheelchair and visually impaired runners”

**The picture of the running event is not related to the story written.

The latest announcement of a 100-kilometer running event application that I plan to participate in the run when I am ready, I just found out a few days ago.

I have been rejected from three running events…

First event: Reason given was safety and inadequate care.
Second event: Reason given was concerns about running track conditions and the number of runners (I have discussed with the organizers and understand the reasons; additional work will be done together).
Third event: No reason given. The same organizer as the first event, posted a notice as mentioned.

Since I started running almost 10 years ago, my goal has always been to be an ordinary runner.
Throughout the years, I have heard news of rejections from running events for individuals like me, and finally, I experienced it myself. I let this matter go for a long time… but finally this year, I found it again!

The more we keep silent and let it go, the more damage it will cause…

People with disabilities are often used as inspiration when someone needs emotional support or encouragement.
On the other hand, people with disabilities are affected by the environment and the attitudes of those around them, making them objects of pity and perpetual sources of inspiration…
While individuals with disabilities themselves strive to overcome limitations and live their lives like the others…

Myself, I have been doing this throughout my life in every aspect. Running is no different, I have practiced in the parks for many years, and eventually, I resolved various problems and gained confidence to join the races.

I have participated in 5 marathon races in Thailand major events. I am extremely happy, proud, and filled with joy when I run alongside other runners without any ‘special’ condition. Yes I’m just a runner like the others.

I understand the challenging conditions of the tracks and the unpreparedness of the organizing teams. But do  not forget that this creates segregation and keeps people with disabilities within their own circle. You are stamping a person with disabilities label on their forehead forever, it is totally not good.

“Bro’… a person who uses a wheelchair, if they can participate in races, especially the 42K+ distance, it shows that they are not usual human. We should promote and support them, we should be proud.” — I recently said to one of the organizers.

I write this to document it for continuous work, without any drama, of course.
I will visit the event I am interested in and those I rejected to gather information from all aspects.