Race welcomes all abilities to run, walk, roll

Sept. 21--COLUMBUS -- A race will bring together participants of all abilities.

The fourth annual We Can Run, Walk and Roll welcomes people who are able-bodied and those with physical disabilities to take part in a race on Oct. 4 in Pawnee Park.

A mix of racers is what make this event unique.

"The purpose of it is to bring people of all abilities together to participate in this race," said Julie Bennett, an occupational therapist with Columbus Community Hospital.

The rehabilitative services department with the hospital sponsors the event, along with Premier Physical Therapy and Wiggles and Giggles Therapy for Kids.

People complete the race by running, walking and using devices like wheelchairs or walkers to make it to the finish line.

The event is timed, so experienced racers can track their minutes. But besting times isn't the only focus of the race.

"It is for very skilled racers who are serious about it, but it is being able to bring those sort of people together with those who never thought they'd run a race," Bennett said.

Registration deadline is Friday and can be done by going to columbushosp.org. Forms also are available at hospital affiliate locations. Cost to register is $22 online; otherwise it is $25. The cost includes a T-shirt and a meal ticket.

Money raised from the event will go toward purchasing adaptive tricycles called AmTrykes. The tricycles help improve strength, coordination and motor skills. Proceeds from last year's race helped purchase seven AmTrykes for families.

Bennett said people can sign up as teams. In the past, team members have taken turns pushing teammates who are disabled in their wheelchairs along the course to the finish line.

Last year, more than 390 people participated.

"It was gratifying to see so many people turn out for the annual We Can event. We wanted to encourage people of different abilities to come out and experience the joy of reaching a goal, and that's exactly what happened. We're looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2014," said Doug Janssen, director or rehabilitative services at the hospital.

For questions about the race, visit the hospital's website or call 402-562-3339.

___

(c)2014 the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.)

Visit the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.) at www.columbustelegram.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services