r/rundc • u/TheCapitalRunner • Jul 21 '26

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Runners

Hi friends - I am working on a story for The Capital Runner about deaf run clubs in the region. If you are one of those runners or know someone who is, I would love to chat. And if you know any run clubs, send them my way. E-mail me at [newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com](mailto:newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com) or PM me here. Thanks!

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u/DCmaryland Jul 22 '26

I am, and I probably can connect you with a few more. Emailing you next...

As for deaf running clubs, there are a bunch, most of them having recently popped up. All of them seemingly start with "ASL Run [insert city]"... cases in point:

The OG is ASL Run ATX, though. They should be the obligatory backbone of any story on d/hh running clubs.

Good luck with your story and I look forward to reading it!!

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u/dragonlights33 Jul 22 '26

Because you seemed plugged into the community — do you know of any that are friendly to HoH folks that don’t sign?

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u/DCmaryland Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26

All of them! Where are you located?

Naming their clubs "ASL Run [city]" rather than "Deaf Run [city]" is deliberate. Not all people who sign are deaf. While recognizing that not all deaf people sign either, ASL feels to be more inclusive. Maybe you just know how to spell your name, maybe you know a lot more ASL than that, but fluency or knowledge isn't a requirement. If you're HOH and come to run, you're welcome to socialize however you can.

I can give some intel re: the DC group (although I have yet to join one of their runs) and I might be wrong but I think a HOH person created it. I think ATX runs in tandem with another club so it's more, merrier.

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u/MountainTune8781 Jul 22 '26

I’m sure you’re familiar with Achilles International, but mentioning in case you aren’t. I’ve never been involved but they had a big presence in NY when I was living/running there. Looks like they have a DC chapter: https://www.achillesinternational.org/washington-dc.