The Highest of Runner’s Highs

More than a decade ago, a law partner introduced long-distance runner Eric Harlan to a fellow marathoner. “Long story short, the friend was buddies with the founder of Athletes Serving Athletes. And next thing you know, I became a wingman,” says the class action litigator with Smith, Gildea & Schmidt in Towson.

ASA’s mission is to elevate the quality of life for people with limited mobility by empowering them to train for and participate in mainstream running events. “We run with them using special racing joggers in mainstream races as well as training runs,” says Harlan.

Each ASA athlete has a team of wingmen and wingwomen, who alternate between pushing and making sure the way ahead is clear. “We’re part of everything from 5Ks to marathons, and the athletes have their names on a big flag on the jogger so everybody can cheer them on,” Harlan says. “It’s fantastic. I thought the finish line after a 10-miler or a marathon was cool. It doesn’t compare to running with one of our ASA athletes. It’s amazing to see how much joy it brings them.”

Harlan eventually began helping with fundraising, then joined its board of directors. “I do less running now because of some knee issues,” he says. But he’s always looking to grow the org’s fundraising and base of wingmen to help athletes on an ever-expanding calendar. (In 2024, that included more than 100 races.)

“It started in Baltimore County, and now we have communities throughout Maryland and we’re expanding into D.C. and Northern Virginia and southern Pennsylvania,” Harlan says. “Our best advertising, our most effective promotional tool, is just being out on the racecourse. Every time, people ask, ‘How do I get involved with this?’” (The answer is ASA.run.) “You talk about a runner’s high and how good you feel? Double or triple it when you’re giving someone this opportunity and you finish together.”