Checkers supports SA's only integrated wheelchairs and runners race

The fifth annual Hermanus Wheels and Runners Race, the only integrated wheelchairs and runners race in South Africa, will be held on Saturday, 7 May 2011. In 2010, 700 entrants took part, almost 200 more than the previous year, and this year even more participants are expected to take up the challenge. 

The race, sponsored by Checkers and organised by Access for Citizens Committee in association with Whalers Athletic club, offers people with disabilities in wheelchairs as well as able-bodied athletes and members of the public the opportunity to participate in the same event. The main aim of the race is to create greater awareness of the abilities of disabled people and their needs. 

There are numerous categories to accommodate the abilities of every person: A marathon (42,2km) for wheelchair athletes only and 21,1km, 10km and 5 km races for junior and senior runners and wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair athletes will participate in racing chairs, hand cycles, tricycles, motorised chairs, shop riders and wheelchairs. The runners will participate in their running shoes or bare foot! 

There is also a 5km Fun Run/Walk along the sea at Grotto beach that is open to all members of the public as well as disabled people and their assistants . As part of the fun walk, businesses can enter and promote their wares by creating floats that depict their business or displaying their logos. 

The race will start and finish opposite De Mond Park in 17th Avenue, on the Stanford side of Voëlklip in Hermanus. The marathon and 21km will commence at 9h00, while participants in the 10km, 5km and fun walk will start from 10h00. The prize-giving is expected to be at approximately 12h30. Numerous prizes will be up for grabs on the day, courtesy of Checkers. 

Closing date for entries is 3 May 2011. Entry Forms are available at Checkers stores in the Western Cape, The Hermanus Info Bureau and Whale festival office, and online at www.hermanusrace.co.za. Pre-registration and late entries will take place on Friday 6 May 2011 from 17h00 – 19h00 at the Hermanus Municipality. On race day only entries for the the 5km Fun Run/Walk race will be accepted. 

Members of the public are invited to attend the event to support the athletes and join in the activities of a day that promises to be fun and uplifting for the whole family. 

More information and entry form also available on www.hermanusrace.co.za  

Photo: More than 700 entrants took part in the 2010 Hermanus Wheels and Runners Race - the only integrated wheelchairs and runners race in South Africa. In 2011 even more participants are expected to take up the challenge 
Photographer: Nato Barnard