Couple Conquers Marathons in Wheelchair Duo

High school sweethearts Jamie and Amy Shinneman are challenging perceived limits by competing in marathons as a "Duo Team." Jamie, the engine, pushes his wife Amy in a three-wheeled racing wheelchair, affectionately called a "duo bike," through distances up to 20 miles. Amy, who lives with Bethlem myopathy, a rare muscular dystrophy, finds freedom and a new perspective on the marathon course.

Their shared journey began in 2019, inspired by a wheelchair seen at the Boston Marathon Expo. Despite initial reservations from Amy about being in the spotlight, they have since completed four marathons, including Berlin, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Their current ambition is to conquer all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors, with the Sydney Marathon scheduled for August 30, 2026, as their next major event.

Beyond personal achievement, the Shinnemans operate a nonprofit called Team Humbly Courageous. This initiative aims to inspire individuals with disabilities to embrace challenges with "humble courage." For the Sydney Marathon, they are fundraising $26,000 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association and to purchase racing wheelchairs for other Duo Teams.