Where there's a Wheel, There's a Way

Recently, FedEx Custom Critical provided overnight accommodations and transport for a wheelchair designed with a special purpose, and to support a man and his dream. Paul Appleby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, but never allowed this challenge to limit himself. With the help of FedEx Custom Critical, Appleby was able to complete his 300th race last week.

Appleby was inspired to begin racing when he and Gene Carter, FedEx Services, learned the story of a father and son duo who became known for completing more than a thousand races together, all while using a wheelchair.
 

“Paul and I went to the same church and one day, there was a video presented on a father and son race team – the son had cerebral palsy,” explained Carter. “The video showed how the father would push his son in a wheelchair during races, and how much they enjoyed it. It gave Paul and me an idea, and we began running together in July 2004.”

Last week, Appleby and Carter completed their 300th race together by running the Wasatch Marathon near Salt Lake City and qualified a third time for the Boston Marathon in April 2022.

This year wasn’t the first time FedEx Custom Critical delivered for Appleby and Carter. In 2013, the two ran their first Boston Marathon and on mile 14, one of their wheels went flat.

“We finished the race in 3:38:00 and it was a bit slower on a flat, but we made it. We crossed the finish line about 50 minutes prior to the Boston bombing taking place. Our FedEx Custom Critical drivers were there for us and picked up our racing chair to head back to Memphis before the bombing.”

FedEx Custom Critical transported Appleby’s wheelchair again in 2017 and has continued to support the team since then. But besides the medals, miles and race bibs, Appleby has a greater purpose for racing.

 

“There's a goal that I'd really like to go after and that's to help other adults and children with disabilities, some who are just like me,” explained Appleby. “Those that might want to run just like Mr. Gene and me - this is my dream - Paul's Dream.”