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
  • 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

• Athlete pays 1 entry fee; the guide does not pay, but still must register.
• Only 1 guide per athlete receives a free entry. (Contact registration@hartfordmarathon.com for online registration instructions).
• Guides MUST communicate with HMF, and wear approved guide 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. 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.

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 Technical Director, Josh Miller, either by phone at 860-652-8866, or by email at: Josh@hartfordmarathon.com to answer any questions regarding course suitability.