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Auckland, July 17, 2018
ASB has announced that it would give away a custom-built racing wheelchair to one lucky competitor to celebrate the inclusion of a wheelchair category in this year’s ASB Auckland marathon.
The wheelchair will be made to order and built in the US before being shipped to New Zealand.
The recipient will have their marathon entry fee funded and be given the chance to compete in the inaugural category which will see competitors race over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and around the city.
Catering to wider audience
ASB head of Community and Sponsorship Mark Graham said that ASB is excited to open the event up to a wider audience.
“The ASB Auckland marathon is all about progress – seeing people set their own personal challenges and achieve them. It’s a sporting event for all Kiwis who are driven by a desire to succeed, no matter their ability. In that spirit, different race distances have been added over the years and we are thrilled by the inclusion of a wheelchair category. In recognition of this new category, ASB is giving away a custom-built racing wheelchair which we hope will help someone be part of this historical event,” he said.
Application Process
Applications for the wheelchair will open on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 with the recipient announced on Monday, August 27, 2018.
Entrants for this year’s event in the wheelchair category will be selected by the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, Achilles New Zealand, and event organisers.
Race Director Bec Williams said inclusion of the new category is the result of months of hard work and planning.
“This is hugely significant for the event and for our wheelchair racing athletes, bringing the ASB Auckland Marathon in line with many of the world’s iconic big city marathon events,” she said.
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(Images of the Marathon from ASB website)
