Financial Perspectives: Kevin, how did the idea of creating Team RunFree come to you?
Kevin Hircock: About 15 years ago, in the process of losing some weight, I discovered that I enjoyed running, which led to attending and participating in lots of running events. While watching an Iron Man competition, I saw a runner pushing a disabled rider in a cart. I realized, then, that it was something I wanted to do. But I wasn’t sure how to go about it.
After exploring the possibility, it became clear that for a number of reasons, it was important to become a 501c3, which we accomplished in 2016. And we’ve been running strong ever since.
FP: How many Captains do you currently serve?
KH: Participation has steadily increased through the years. Today, there are more than 20 Captains registered with the team. More are always welcome, and we want to grow at a manageable rate.
The number of available Navigators and carts varies from race to race.
FP: In addition to the classes, how do you work to build community?
KH: On Monday nights, we bring everyone together for family gatherings. There’s food, conversations, volunteer support folks, and usually an inspiring speaker they can relate to.
FP: How do you choose the races you participate in?
KH: Our typical season runs from April through November. We select central Iowa races that work well for the team, where it’s relatively easy to park and get to the site. The races are listed on our private team portal where Captains and Navigators can sign on and partner up.
FP: Who are your Navigators?
KH: I call our Navigators the “hearts behind the carts.” Obviously, they need to be able to run a 5K. But more importantly, they need to value the joy of their Captains over their own running experience. That’s why they’re here.
I enjoy having coffee and a chat with potential Navigators, so I can understand their motivation for joining our team. It’s important that they want to give their race day Captain the best possible running experience. There’s no cost involved, since we take care of all the race expenses and registrations.
FP: The carts look impressive.
KH: We actually have two kinds of adaptive run carts, although they basically serve the same purpose. The blue ones look a lot like a jog stroller on steroids. They have a wide wheelbase, a 200 lb. weight capacity, and can be equipped with a longer footrest as our Captains grow older and bigger. The red carts are designed for longer races and are custom-built for us.
FP: And now you’re creating a new program for blind athletes?
KH: Yes. It’s called Synergy, and we’re in our third year. We pair blind athletes with sighted guide runners who use an 18-inch tether to communicate and maintain contact. It takes a little work for the team to develop confidence and understand each other’s signals, so a pair usually begins with walking before eventually working into running. Building the Synergy program is one of our focuses, this year.
FP: Can you use other volunteers, besides Navigators and Guides?
KH: Sure! We’re focusing on developing more teams, which will involve sharing tasks and responsibilities like social media, race planning, registrations, and fundraising, in addition to our Navigators and Guides. If you have the heart to help, we would enjoy getting to know you.
FP: Do you accept donations?
KH: We are 100 percent donation and volunteer driven. The funds we receive are applied toward race registrations, race carts, travel expenses, insurance, and small operational costs. We strive to be very frugal with our resources, so we can maximize the number of races we schedule.
FP: You’re celebrating your 10th Anniversary this year. Where do you see your organization 10 years from now?
KH: Our slogan is “Miles of Smiles,” and we’re excited to be running into our second decade. We’re already exploring ways to provide more services to more families – both in our adaptive running and sighted guide programs. For instance, we’re working on a Guide Walking program for blind folks who are not runners but would love to have the chance to walk freely and share time with a Guide Walker. We’re also studying the opportunity to expand our adaptive running program outside central Iowa.
Captain Amara and Navigator Chuck race to the finish line at the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon.
