Hundreds Show Up to Run With Autistic Teen Pushed Down by a Stranger

Chase Coleman had been running on the cross-country team for three years when he was pushed to the ground by a stranger during a race.

The 15-year-old teen with autism was so heartbroken, he handed in his uniform and gave up his favorite hobby, saying he would never run again.

Chase’s mother, Christine Coleman, wouldn’t give up so easily – and nor would the community of Syracuse, New York. Thousands of messages of encouragement and love for Chase started pouring in on social media – Christine read each message to her son until he started to feel better.

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Christine, Chase’s coach, and a team of volunteers started recruiting runners from Baltimore to Syracuse to encourage Chase in a fun run. The race was held at Corcoran High School on Saturday morning where over 600 runners registered to participate. Over 1,000 people simply showed up in solidarity.

Though the event was sparked because of one cruel action, the community made sure that it became ‘an explosions of kindness’. Everyone wore tee shirts emblazoned with ‘Run With Chase’ and spectators waved signs featuring messages of love for the star athlete.

By the time the race ended, Chase could reportedly be seen grinning from ear to ear.

(WATCH the video below)

 

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