At the Sale Sharks Foundation, we are incredibly grateful to have Stephan and Chloe Couture running for us on Sunday, May 18th, at the Great Manchester Run. Their journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of inclusivity.

Stephan and Chloe’s running adventure began in 2011, shortly after Chloe joined their family in late 2010. Despite being wheelchair-bound, Chloe’s love for speed and the outdoors quickly became apparent. However, they faced significant resistance from the running community, with some even stating, “we don’t want them in our races.” This resistance only fueled their determination, leading to their mission statement: “Disabilities don’t need to have Boundaries.”

One of the first major breakthroughs came when Gus (Fundraising Manager now at the Foundation), was one of the race organisers back then at the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon, allowing them to participate in the Manchester Half Marathon. This experience was transformative, though not without its challenges. Initially, they were often asked to start at the back, which posed safety risks as Stephan, a fast runner, had to navigate through thousands of slower participants. Thankfully, more understanding organisers began allowing them to start just behind the elite runners, ensuring a safer race for everyone.

Stephan and Chloe’s commitment to safety is unwavering. They always coordinate with race organizers to ensure their participation is safe for all, explaining their needs and equipment. Their dedication extends beyond their own races; Stephan has inspired and assisted others in the disabled community to participate in races, even lending out spare chairs or pushing other disabled competitors himself. 

The support from Great Run has been phenomenal, enabling Stephan and Chloe to participate in landmark races, including a memorable, albeit rainy, Great North Run last year. Their story has also inspired their local community, including the Old Wheatleyans, who proudly display their logo on their kit.

Stephan and Chloe learned about the Sale Sharks Foundation through Gus, and their story and journey aligns perfectly with our mission at the Foundation. We strive to give back to the community, helping the disabled, elderly, and women find their voice in rugby and other sports. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do, and it’s a wonderful feeling to see disabled and able-bodied people coming together.

Even after all these years, Chloe’s love for racing remains strong. Despite some health setbacks, she is always ready for the next challenge. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the freedom and opportunities that come from breaking down barriers.

We are honoured to have Stephan and Chloe running for us and look forward to cheering them on at the Great Manchester Run. Their story is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to support their mission of inclusivity and empowerment. If you have felt inspired by their story, please feel free to make a donation and help them reach their goal.