A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has made history by becoming the first female frame runner to complete the London Marathon.
Dr Julie McElroy, who graduated with her PhD from UWS in 2017 and has cerebral palsy, completed the marathon in five hours and 59 minutes on Sunday, accompanied by her support runner Gill Menzies.
It’s an accumulation of 5 months of hard work… I just can’t believe it. I’ve always wanted a big medal and now I’ve got one in the London Marathon! I’ve made history.”
A doctor of assistive technology, Julie has faced unique challenges throughout her life. Born with cerebral palsy, she is profoundly deaf and wears two hearing aids. Following a HND in Information Systems at Glasgow Clyde College, Julie enrolled on the BA (Hons) Information Technology course at UWS Paisley Campus – going on to graduate with the Court Medal in 2010.
Julie then embarked on her PhD at UWS, completing in 2017 with her thesis entitled: The Development of a Framework to Enhance Understanding of Assistive Technology within Tertiary Education.
In an interview with BBC’s the Social, Julie commented: “I have to lip read most people every single day so that’s how I got round my communication challenges.”
Julie said following her graduation: “I’ve learned things don’t come to you on a plate. It’s all about having that fire, and you really need to say, ‘right, I’m gonna do it’.”
Six years ago, a traumatic accident could have deterred anyone, but not Julie. Her indomitable spirit drove her to reclaim her passion for sports.
Two years ago, she was introduced to coach Gordon Innes through the Victoria Park Athletics Club. Together, they embarked on a rigorous training regimen tailored to her needs. Frame Running, an adaptive sport that allows individuals with mobility challenges to run using specially designed frames, became one of Julie’s passions.
Since that introduction, Julie has completed many events with her Frame Runner, including the Paisley 10K, the infamous 22.6-mile Glasgow Kiltwalk, raising funds for her club and the Great Scottish Half Marathon, becoming the first Frame Runner to successfully complete the course.
In this interview before the marathon another UWS graduate, Alan Jenkins from Channel 5, spoke to Julie about her biggest challenge to date.
WEST | Alumni Blog 