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Top South African athletes will once again tackle the twists and turns of the Outeniqua mountain pass on Saturday, 16 February in the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC). Algoa FM will be broadcasting live from the finish line in support of one of the only sporting events in the country organised exclusively for persons with physical disabilities.
The race was started eleven years ago and hosted just 27 athletes. It has grown exponentially, becoming one of the highlights of the country’s sporting calendar. This year, organisers are expecting over 1050 entries from across the country for the marathon, half marathon, 10 km race and Fun event. Almost R250,000 in prize money is up for grabs, and will be divided amongst the 44 different race categories.
In 2012, Race veteran, Ernst van Dyk (Maties Helderberg club) set a new course record of 1:08:29 in the men’s open paraplegic 42.2 km division. He will be defending the record in his eleventh OCC this year.
According to event coordinator, Ansi Swart, over 500 entries have already been received. The oldest entrant so far is an 87 year old gentleman from Franschhoek who will be participating in the Fun category. “We would like to thank Algoa FM for their continued support. This year, we have had four new group entries from Port Elizabeth, and they all heard about the event through Algoa FM.”
Entries for the event are still open until 5 February 2013, and can be made online at www.georgeocc.co.za.
