Team Anna is a remarkable family trio. At the heart of the team is Anna, a young woman who, despite being quadriplegic due to a brain injury at birth, has found her place in the racing world. Her step-father, Shawn, serves as her legs, running alongside her through the highs and lows of each race.
“I’m the engine, she’s the heart,” Shawn said.
Anna’s mom, Paige serves as her advocate and biggest cheerleader.
“We really had to do a lot of educating and teach people, that this is an athlete,” Paige said.
Inspired by Team Hoyt, Shawn asked Anna if she wanted to participate in racing. Anna, communicating through solid eye blinks, enthusiastically said “yes.” What started as neighborhood runs eventually progressed to 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and culminated in their first Houston Marathon in 2016.
Though Shawn was already an experienced runner, their initial plans were limited to shorter races. A frustrating attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon pushed him to set his sights on running a full marathon with Anna. The experience was so moving—seeing Anna enjoy the cheers of the crowd and feeling the spotlight on her—that they decided to make the Houston Marathon a tradition. For Anna, it became her favorite event.
Team Anna is easily recognizable by their logo of a girl in a wheelchair with a ponytail and bow, and their signature shirts bearing the team name. Anna’s joyful, sassy, and competitive personality shines at every race, and she has become an inspiration to both participants and spectators. Often letting out a “war cry” to celebrate the achievements of others, Anna’s energy is contagious and her presence at races is sought after by event organizers.
In addition to their inspiring journey, Team Anna have also been advocates for inclusion, participating in races when it wasn’t common to see athletes with disabilities. Their efforts have helped educate others about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the running community. Today, the running world is far more welcoming, and Team Anna is proud to be part of this transformation.
Anna and Shawn’s journey has faced challenges, but their love for racing has remained unwavering. After Shawn was diagnosed with aggressive skin cancer in June, their future participation was uncertain. However, following surgery and radiation, Shawn is now in remission, and Team Anna is gearing up to race in the upcoming Houston Half Marathon.
Team Anna’s story continues to inspire, proving that with love, determination, and a lot of heart, anything is possible.
Click here if you’d like to get involved with Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that provides race opportunities for individuals with disabilities.