Aaron Kerr

Assisted Runner

Aaron is an assisted runner and ambassador for the sport in the UK and Ireland. Along with his mum and dad, Team Kerr have broken down barriers in the running community, proving that with the right support you can achieve great things. Aaron often takes on courses never attempted before by anyone using a running chair, and has completed over 140 running events, including almost 40 marathons, in his custom built running chair pushed by his mum and dad.  

Aaron has complex needs, is a full-time wheelchair user and had a kidney transplant in 2010, but this hasn’t held him back from pursuing his love of running. Aaron is non-verbal and is affectionately known throughout the running community for his hugs and headlocks. At the 2016 Dublin Marathon he was awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal, voted for by his fellow runners: the first person with complex needs to receive this award. 

Team Kerr say: “Aaron faces daily challenges, but always makes time for others. His loving and infectious personality is well known throughout the running community and a warm welcome is always guaranteed. He continues to inspire and encourage his fellow runners at every event he attends.”

In April 2019 Aaron participated in the Greater Manchester Marathon, leading to other assisted runners entering the event for the first time. This year Aaron and Team Kerr were also in the headlines for unhappier reasons: the London Marathon refused to let Aaron participate. His family spoke out against this discrimination. Together they campaign for inclusion in sport for people with complex needs.

Aaron and his family set up Aaron’s Army, a charity that raises funds to purchase and donate running chairs to help other assisted runners meet their goals. Aaron’s Army has raised over £10k and was nominated for the 2019 Running Awards.

www.teamkerr.net