Oct 22, 2007 Jimbo Boyd - Ambassador for Wheelers By Doug Kurtis

Jimbo Boyd,49, originally from Farmington Hills moved to Alpharetta, GA for a job opportunity in ‘98. He has participated in almost every Crim ten mile race since 1980, his first official wheelchair event. It’s hard to miss his smile when you run by him even when he struggles through the hills.


S. Nickerson - Detroit Free Press

Boyd started wheeling marathons in 1981 (the Orange Bowl Marathon) and has done the Peachtree 10km for the last 24 consecutive years. He has traveled to places like Oita, Japan for their International half marathon which is the largest wheeler event in the world. It boasts hosting over 400 wheelers.

In 1983, he participated in his first of twenty some Free Press Marathons when twelve wheelers officially joined the ranks of the runners, thanks to race director Pam Weinstein and sponsor Tony Filippis Sr.

Boyd said he is the only one of the twelve still wheeling in races. The following year things improved dramatically in Detroit when 47 wheelers competed making it one of the largest fields in the world.

Boyd worked for Wright & Filippis as a Wheelchair Specialist/ Customer Service Rep for five years in the ‘90’s. Boyd noted that, “W&R treated me like one of their family. In fact, big Tony, as we called Tony Sr., was a real father figure in my Life.”

Boyd has made a significant impact on getting wheelers to participate in races. He helped build the Free Press Marathon to a record of 67 wheelers. “It’s always been my goal to promote the sport. I was given a golden opportunity to do that in business and as a participant. I’m still doing that. Many wheelers have become dear friends. Some unfortunately, were killed while training and many died of cancer. We are just a cross-section of the population, such as husband and wife duo, Jim and Patricia Ford from Linden MI. Pat was my training partner. I helped get her started by selling her a racing chair. Another training partner, Steve Himburg of Clarkston competed in 25 Free Press Marathons before semi retiring.”

“The marathon has been a real character builder. Tough weather conditions make it tough on wheelers too. Runners deal with blisters and we deal with flat tires. The City of Detroit has made the marathon a beautiful course through the years with a lot of new pavement.”

In 1986, Boyd had his best performance on the Grosse Pointe course with a 3:19. “Ironically the technology of the racing chair has helped to maintain a good pace, but my shoulders continue to age. I’ve won my medical classification many times, but that not why I race.”

His favorite expression; "It's not what you push - It's WHAT PUSHES YOU."