‘No Limits’ – AR For All

Rob / 25.07.2002

The world’s first multi-ability adventure race, allowing wheelchair users and able bodied athletes to compete together as a team, will take place on August 10/11th in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.

The race has been set up by some of the team behind Adrenalin Rush, who are keen to support disabled sports, and is billed as “a true mind, body and soul competition that challenges athletes and amateurs alike.” They’ve been working hard to build a course that’s both challenging and accessible, and with as few restrictions as possible. There are no gender restrictions, the lower age limit is 16, and little specialist equipment is needed – a racing wheelchair isn’t essential for example.

Racers will compete in pairs, doing all the disciplines together, and the entry fee is just £50 per pair. The first day is for testing and training and then the race on Sunday will last a maximum of 6 hours and include kayaking, road racing, navigation, swimming and a rope traverse. Specially adapted kayaks will be used with the paddling on rivers and lakes, on the road race the able bodied athlete will run alongside the wheelchair (no rides allowed!) and the swimming will be 25m with buoyancy aids worn. The rope traverse will be over a river and there will be some ‘secret disciplines’ too.

It’s a great initiative, and if you’re interested in taking part, know a wheelchair user who might like to, or want to volunteer you can find out more via the web site.