Words by Chase Fleming, and Shaun and Shamus Evans – Photography by Chase Fleming for ASICS
Issue #45 of Like the Wind features the beautiful story of Shaun and Shamus Evans, an athlete duo who are on a mission to break the stigma around disability. They ran the Boston Marathon together in 2024, and this year completed their second World Major – Tokyo.
Videographer Chase Fleming captured their recent race and – more importantly – their story in Power to Push: A Journey Towards Inclusion. To celebrate Global Running Day, we’re proud to share the full film and a bonus Q&A with Chase, Shaun and Shamus.
Like the Wind: From what we understand, initially there weren’t plans for this project to be a film, is that correct?
Chase Fleming: That’s right — the original editorial assignment from ASICS was to travel with Shaun and Shamus in Japan to capture still imagery to accompany their written feature in Like the Wind issue #45. But having known the Evans family for a few years leading up to this, and understanding how committed they are to advocating for inclusion, I felt a pull to do more. I knew that video would give us an even greater opportunity to amplify their story and share it with new audiences. I had zero filmmaking experience going into this. What I did have was a desire to tell meaningful stories — and an incredible opportunity to travel with Shaun and Shamus. This project reminded me that the most meaningful work begins when you step outside of your comfort zone.
Shaun and Shamus Evans: And honestly, we didn’t even really notice that fact that we were being recorded. We were focused on the race and being in the moment. We smiled from start to finish, taking in the sights, waving to the crowd, and talking with each other about the incredible opportunity we had to be there together.
LtW: Tell us more about why this story works so well in video format.
CF: Shaun and Shamus’s positivity is absolutely contagious. While their journey is inspiring in written form, there’s something uniquely powerful about seeing it unfold on screen. From their arrival at the airport and the immediate challenge of getting Shamus’s 400-pound powered chair off a luggage cart, to assembling their racing chair in a cramped 250-square-foot hotel room, to exploring the streets of Japan together — each moment leading up to the race carried an emotional weight that felt best captured through video.
S&S: Video helps others to see both the obstacles we face as a family and specifically the obstacles Shamus faces through some of his physical limitations. But more importantly, it helps others to see how we work to overcome those obstacles, the equipment that allows Shamus to participate, and the joy Shamus experiences by being included.
LtW: What’s the main message you’re trying to convey in Power to Push?
CF: It may sound cliché, but it’s this: you really can do anything you put your mind to. The Evans family has faced challenge after challenge since Shamus was born, and they move forward with hope, humour, and determination every time.
S&S: We aim to promote inclusion through all aspects of life, not just running. Sometimes we have to be creative or modify activities or the environment slightly to allow Shamus to participate, but our goal has always been to have him included in everything he chooses to try. Running together is a visible display of that goal for the world to see. Shamus has always dreamed big and we feel that our story helps to demonstrate that anything is possible. We hope that everyone can benefit from hearing our story, whether they have a disability, want to be an ally for people with disabilities, or simply can become more aware of what inclusion is all about.
LtW: What’s the next adventure for you, Shaun and Shamus?
S&S: We are hoping to have more opportunities to travel the world showing others what is possible, letting love lead the way, and being ambassadors for inclusion and disability awareness. Anyone who would like to learn more about our journey can read our book available at the Ainsley’s Angels Finish Line Store and follow us on social media @power2push.