On August 24th, there was a historic moment, the first shared marathon in Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean! This event presented an innovative formula: teams consisting of 8 riders and one person with reduced mobility shared the challenge of the course. The Kartus MKII was in the spotlight, being the only running chair chosen by the organization. The light weight of the running chair and its disc brakes were a great asset to complete the 42 km. But if Kartus was extremely proud to be associated with the event, it was nothing compared to the smiles on the faces of the participants.
If the shared marathon was born, it’s thanks to Marie-Michelle Fortin, who, with Kartus and Sebastien Roullier, traveled to Boston earlier this year! Organizers Romane Le Gallou, Donald Dubois, Dave McMullen and Marie-Ève Larouche were inspired by his story. Given the great success of this first edition, Marie-Eve has already the next year in mind. The inclusion conveyed by Kartus was at the center of this race, according to Dave McMullen:
“To allow these people to feel the sensations of the race is priceless. During the Ultramarathon, these people were included for the last kilometer; today, they make the entire 42km. As runners, we are accessories. This marathon is for them. “
The day ended nicely with the donation of a Kartus MKII running chair to the Rehabilitation Center for Physical Disability of Jonquière (CRDP). Julien Renaud, who took part in the race, gives us a chance to take part in the race. Here is a report (french) of his experience. See you next year!
To read further on the event, click here.
Picture credit : Rocket Lavoie, Le Quotidien