Woman with cerebral palsy set to run in Paisley 10k event

Dr Julie McElroy was born with the condition, which restricts her mobility, speech, and hearing.

Six years ago, she suffered a traumatic accident, which robbed her of her passion to take part in sport and physical activity.

However, through her local athletics group, Julie was introduced to coach Gordon Innes, who helped her to take up the sports of frame running and the seated throws.

The 37-year-old told The Gazette: "Gordon has worked with me on both sports and has created a training plan which has improved my fitness and also my enthusiasm for sport once again. 

"These two sports of frame running and the seated throw has allowed me to transfer from my wheelchair to enjoy the newfound freedom of sports once more."

Frame running, which was previously known as race running, is an athletic discipline for disabled athletes or 'racerunners'. 

Athletes use a running bike, a three-wheeled frame with a saddle, body support and most notably, no pedals – and Julie will use this to take part in the Paisley 10k Road Race on Sunday, August 20.

Organised by OneRen, the 10k race is suitable for runners of all levels from novices to experienced club and international runners.

For families, friends and youngsters, there is also the shorter Fun Run that takes in some of Paisley town centre's most famous landmarks.

Julie, from Jordanhill, contacted OneRen about the 10k race and the organisation have helped to ensure that the event is accessible and meets her requirements. 

It will be Julie's second 10k, but it will be on streets she is very familiar with. 

She added: "Paisley has played a huge part of my life. 

"I studied at the University of the West of Scotland's Paisley campus for 10 years, so to be able to run with everybody else and soak up the atmosphere will be amazing going down through all the streets I used to know."

For more information about this year's Paisley 10k Road Race or to sign up for the event, visit oneren.org/paisley-10k.