U.S. ultrarunner Camille Herron has released a statement explaining why she is not competing at this weekend’s 2025 IAU 24-Hour World Championships in Albi, France.
In an Instagram post on Friday afternoon, Herron said she had been seeking disability accommodations from USA Track & Field (USATF) and the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) since June but did not receive confirmation that her request would be supported in time for the event.
Herron wrote that she experiences sensory sensitivities as an athlete with Autism and ADHD, and that competing in the 24-hour format can present “sustained sensory overload.”
She said her request was for access to “a safe, quiet, more open, and less chaotic space” for her race essentials, separate from the enclosed U.S. team tent, which she described as having been a difficult environment in the past.
“After months of communication and follow-up since June with USATF and legal counsel, I didn’t receive assurance from the IAU that my reasonable disability accommodation request will be supported at the 24-Hour World Championship,” Herron wrote.
“The 24-Hour World Championship can be a very difficult environment for neurodivergent athletes, with 24 hours of sustained sensory overload. There’s only so much an athlete can do to self-accommodate. Those who need it should have space within the rules that reasonably accommodates our needs and ensures fair, equitable competition.”
“My request was simple — to have access to a safe, quiet, more open, and less chaotic space for my race essentials, separate from the enclosed U.S. Team tent that has been a difficult environment in the past. I tend to feel physically ill in small, enclosed or crowded spaces. I made suggestions that fit within the rules, but I received no response.”
“As an Autistic/ADHD athlete, I’ve learned how important it is to advocate for my needs and to compete in an environment that supports — not harms — my health and performance. There’s been plenty of time for my request to be addressed, yet it wasn’t handled in time. The governing bodies have a duty of care to protect athletes from harm and to ensure our safety and wellbeing.”
“Because my accommodation was not resolved, I didn’t sign the U.S. Team Statement of Conditions. I was therefore never formally on the team and had nothing to withdraw from, allowing them the right to replace me.”
“I’m heartbroken to be in this situation, and as you can imagine, it has caused undue stress in the final days before the race. I did my best to advocate for disability rights and wanted nothing more than to represent my country and compete alongside my teammates. I wish things had been handled sooner and more collaboratively so we could all focus on racing and supporting one another.”
“I’m wishing the U.S. Team and all competitors a safe and successful event. I’ll be cheering from afar and continuing to push for progress so that every athlete feels supported and included.”
Her comments follow widespread online speculation earlier in the day after U.S. team members and supporters said she had not confirmed her participation, preventing an alternate from being added to the roster.
The IAU 24-Hour World Championships begin Saturday morning local time in Albi, France, featuring nearly 400 athletes from 47 countries.
