Wed Apr 23 06:31:00 UTC 2008
The second annual Hermanus Wheels and Runners Relay Race, the only integrated wheelchairs and runners race in South Africa, will be held on 3 May 2008. In 2007, the first year the race was held, 180 entrants took part and this year even more participants are expected to take up the challenge.
This race, that is 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 race. The main aim of the event is to create greater awareness of the abilities of disabled people and their needs.
The race will start and finish at the Old Harbour and the circle route will run along the sea in Marine drive and Westcliff drive and then pass through the central business area via Main road. The first event will commence at 9h00 and the prize-giving is expected to be at approximately 12h00.
There are eight categories to accommodate the abilities of every person that includes hand cycle, tricycle and racing chair races of 21.5km, senior athlete and wheelchair races of 10km, 5km wheelchair and runner relay races as well as a fun walk of 2,3km. The relay race will create opportunities for people with disabilities in upper and lower limbs, motorised chairs as well as junior and senior able-bodied runners to compete against their peers. 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 fun walk is open to members of the public as well as disabled people.
Closing date for entries is 25 April 2008. Pre-registration and late entries will take place on Friday 02 May 2008 from 6h30 – 18h30 at the Library in the Overstrand municipal office and late entries will also be accepted on the day between 7h45 and 8h45 at the starting point. Gift packs for each entrant, as well as numerous prizes and lucky draws will all provided courtesy of Checkers.
Members of the public are invited to join in the activities of a day that promises to be fun and uplifting for the whole family.