Abstract
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) and Comrades Marathon were challenged by wheelchair participants to enter their ultramarathon races in 2016, despite the ultramarathon being physically challenging over 56 km and 90 km respectively. The terrain for both is mountainous, exacerbating the physical challenge of the distance. Initially both events declined entry to two wheelchair participants, based on procedural, logistical and safety grounds, prompting social media protests and debate. This commentary focuses in brief on the two sides of the same coin: the rights of disabled and specifically wheelchair athletes to be included in ultramarathons in South Africa; and the management and regulatory responsibilities of event organisers in these complex events.
Highlights
In March and May 2016, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) and Comrades Marathon were challenged by wheelchair participants to enter their ultramarathon races
This commentary focuses briefly on what can be considered as two sides of the same coin: the rights of disabled and wheelchair participants to be included in ultramarathons in South Africa; and the management and regulatory responsibilities of the event organisers in these complex mass participation events
In this commentary there is a brief reflection on policies of England Athletics (EA) and Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) on disabled athletic participation, as well as the key policy, health, safety, procedural and monitoring considerations that need to be taken into account in South African roadrunning
Summary
In March and May 2016, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) and Comrades Marathon were challenged by wheelchair participants to enter their ultramarathon races. In this commentary there is a brief reflection on policies of England Athletics (EA) and Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) on disabled athletic participation, as well as the key policy, health, safety, procedural and monitoring considerations that need to be taken into account in South African roadrunning.
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