After the frustration of not being allowed to take part in other trail races, wheelchair competitors will be able to line up with able-bodied runners on the start line of the 10k trail race at the OMM Running Festival. The festival takes place 4th – 6th May this year, with the trail race on the 6th.
Chris Nicholson, who has pushed his way to the top of Snowdon in his wheelchair, has joined event organisers OMM to setup this first ever able-bodied and disabled inclusive trail race in the UK. 500 competitors will line up together and support for the event also comes from Paralympians, Invictus athletes and military charities the hope the race will lead to new opportunities for disabled competitors in the future. Representatives from Guinness World Records will create a new Trail Race category for the Wheelchair Class within the race.
Alistaire from OMM said:
“it’s up to us to set the challenge, not decide whether a person can do it or not. We will welcome anyone who thinks they can complete the 10km trail course.”
Chris, who has help set the course said “We wanted everyone to have the same challenge”. The race is unique, the route has not been altered in any way to make it easier for any particular competitor, this is to be a true test of everyone’s grit and determination.
Chris, who is also hoping to break the amateur wheelchair record in this year’s London Marathon while raising money for the Matt Hampson Foundation, says:
“I need mud, rock and countryside. I looked around for a trail race I could take part in but all the event organisers I spoke to said they couldn’t cater for disabled athletes.”
Well, thanks to Chris and the good people at OMM now there is! You can enter this unique race at: www.theomm.com/omm-festival/
There’s a wide range of activities taking place at the festival, including a half marathon, marathon and OMM Lite mountain marathon (run or bike), as well as workshops on navigation, gait analysis, kit and night running. And you get to enjoy camping and catering too, all at the stunning location of Cannock Chase.
