Checkers supports the only integrated wheelchairs and runners race in South Africa (2010)

The fourth annual Hermanus Wheels and Runners Relay Race, the only integrated wheelchairs and runners race in South Africa, will be held on 8 May 2010. In 2009, the third year the race was held, 513 entrants took part, 188 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 for wheelchair athletes only and the 21,1km, 10 km 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! The Fun walk of 5 km will include a route along the sea at Grotto beach. 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. 

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 8h00, while participants in the 10km, 5km and fun walk will start from 9h00. The prize-giving is expected to be at approximately 11h30. Numerous prizes will be up for grabs on the day, courtesy of Checkers. 

Closing date for entries is 4 May 2010. Entry Forms are available at the Hermanus Info Bureau and Whale festival office, or online at www.hermanusrace.co.za. Pre-registration and late entries will take place on Friday 7 May 2010 from 17h00 – 19h00 at the Hermanus Municipality (Late entries only accepted until 18h00). Late entries will also be accepted on race day at the starting point. 

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.