Physically Challenged (PC): A physically challenged (PC) athlete for the purposes of USATF LDR Road Racing is defined as any person with a significant and permanent physical or motor deficiency but still allows them to be ambulatory for road racing. Examples of appropriate permanent physical challenges include: Partial or complete loss of a lower extremity, such as a Symes or leg amputation. Some have significant loss of motor function due to stroke or a serious degenerative neurological condition affecting the extremities such as Multiple Sclerosis. Awards will be given to the top three males/females in the PC Division.

Push-Rim & Hand-Crank/Handcycle Wheelchair: A wheelchair athlete for the purposes of USATF LDR Road Racing is defined as any person with a significant and permanent physical or motor deficiency requiring the use of a push-rim or hand crank wheelchair to compete. Able-bodied individuals may not participate in the Wheelchair Division. Rules and regulations for wheelchairs will be based on the International Paralympic Committee’s regulations. See below for wheelchair specifications. Awards will be given to the top three males/females in the Push-rim Division.

Hand-Crank/Handcycle Wheelchair: Athletes are invited to participate. No awards will be given for the Hand Crank division in any event. Athletes must wear helmets at all times while on the event course and have an orange visibility flag on a 5’-6’ flexible pole attached to the handcycle at all times while on the event course.

Visually Impaired: A visually impaired runner must meet the classifications of IBSA Visual Classifications Class B1, B2, B3 and B4. For more information on IBSA Visual Classifications, click here. See below for Rules for Visually Impaired. Awards will be given to the top three males/females in the Visually Impaired Division.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT EVENTS (ALL ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES)

• Awards in Divisions with more than 2 entrants.
• The divisions (male and female) are:
  • Physically Challenged
  • Push Rim Wheelchair
  • Hand-Crank/Hand-Cycle (Excluding Eversource Hartford Marathon events)
  • Visually Impaired/Blind athletes
• Participants must follow and stay on the course.
• In most cases the entire road surface is at the athlete’s disposal. Where cones are used, shortening the course by not following the cone line is against the rules and will expose the racers to unsafe conditions.
• All participants must complete the entire course unaided, except for the aid that is provided at the official aid stations on the course. No personal aid from a spectator is permitted.
• Participant cannot intentionally interfere or touch other athletes during the race.

GUIDES

• Guides must register and pay for events.
• Only 1 guide per athlete.
• Guides MUST communicate with HMF, and wear approved guide BIB number and appropriate event bib number.
• Guide must finish behind the athlete.
• Guides may not use a bicycle or other mechanical means of transport.
• Method of guidance is choice of athlete: elbow lead, tether, or run free are permitted. Strapping or tying the hands of an athlete is not permitted.
• Guides cannot propel athletes forward.

WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES

• Race start prior to abled body start time. Start time will be determined based on specific event.
• Distinguished wheel chair division (includes both hand cranks and push rim where applicable). HMF provided lead cyclists (athletes are responsible for knowing the race route).
• Wheelchair athletes must use appropriate caution and share the course when other athletes or official vehicles approach to pass. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• All wheelchair athletes are required to wear certified helmets at all times. Helmets cannot be modified. Participants who do not have a certified helmet will not be permitted to start.
• Push Rim chairs must conform to specifications as established by IPC.

ASSISTED WHEELCHAIR/DUOS

Defined as a participant pushing a person with permanent disabilities in a customized racing wheelchair. Both parties will need to register for the event and sign appropriate waivers.

• One person must push the person with a permanent disability the entire race distance within the official course limit time.
• The abled-bodied participant must maintain contact and control with the wheelchair at all times throughout the race.
• Only the registered able-bodied participant is allowed to propel the wheelchair forward; no outside assistance is permitted.
• The person pushing the wheelchair must be tethered to the chair.
• The person being pushed will be scored in the “Assisted Wheelchair” division. The person pushing will be scored in their age division.
  (Contact registration@hartfordmarathon.com for online registration instructions)

HAND-CRANK/HAND CYCLE WHEELCHAIRS

Defined as a wheelchair powered by arms and is mechanically or gear assisted.

If you are a wheelchair athlete, before you register, we encourage you to contact the Race Director, Josh Miller, either by phone at 860-652-8866, or by email at: Josh@hartfordmarathon.com to answer any questions regarding course suitability.