Waterfront Marathon calls on disabled to avail of special chair

THE organisers of next month’s Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon are calling on those with a disability to take part in the annual event. 

This year they are sponsoring a brand new Team Hoyt Blade Running Chair, which is a specially designed and manufactured racing chair for individuals with disabilities.

The sponsorship of this chair will give local families with a physically challenged family member a chance to take part in the full marathon, half marathon or 10K, so they, too, can experience the thrill of the race at the 7th Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon on Saturday December 3rd.

Team Hoyt is made up of American father and son Rick and Dick Hoyt, and made a huge impression on people when they visited Clonakilty last year for the Keith Whyte Waterfront Ultra Marathon. 

They have completed in over 1,200 marathons, triathlons and road races despite Rick Hoyt using a wheelchair. 

Their Team Hoyt motto is ‘Yes You Can’ and both of them are committed to changing attitudes and educating others on disability.

‘As a sub division of Southbridge Tool and Manufacturing, Team Hoyt Running Chairs are able to custom-build each chair to the comfort and needs of both rider and runner,’ said a spokesperson for Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon. Members of the public are welcome to a presentation talk on Friday December 2nd at 7pm at the Quality Hotel in Clonakilty. 

Adrianne Haslett will tell her story of overcoming her loss of a limb while Amby Burfoot, Bobbi Gibb and Anna Sotar from Team Hoyt Running Chairs will share their stories of endurance. Admission is free to this event.

If you know of a family that would be interested in accessing a Team Hoyt Running Chair, contact the Clonakilty Marathon by email on [email protected]

The closing date for registering for next month’s event is November 22nd. See www.runclon.ie for more information.