GIAAC
Zakia Fathers Day Half Marathon
Imperial Hotel to Bulwer Avenue 13.1miles
21st June 2009

Getting the funding in place was no easy task but this again was facilitated by David Warr who took up the challenge and found the necessary Sponsors. The new Race Chair was built in the USA and is a Top End Race Chair which is a highly rated and respected brand. The chair is made from aircraft aluminium and has taken a little while to get to grips with - literally. Unlike the standard wheelchair Aindre used last year which requires grip and forward thrusting motion, the new chair works on the principles of friction and a downward motion to move the chair forwards.

Aindre set himself a fairly punishing schedule as the chair only arrived a couple of months prior to the Race. Training at 05.30 most mornings was the order of the day and a Hi-Vis Lycra suit and 1.5 metre flag to help other road users see him. The odd puncture slowed him down but as usual the Guernsey generosity kicked in and people stopped to help when and where necessary. A complete change in diet together with a rigorous training scheme has made all the difference. Starting with only 5 press ups and the same in terms of sit ups to now doing at least 50 sit ups and 100 press ups have combined with, 'tenacious resolve' and great self belief to make the Race one to remember. He is in talks with SportingBet (one of his sponsors) as to how to meet his access requirements to facilitate his participation in the first full marathon as Wheelchair Athlete - the first in Guernsey for 17 years.

Aindre says this is a win-win situation for all concerned where his needs as an athlete can be met, he can raise the profile for a Guernsey Charity and lead from the front in terms of positive role model. Aindre looks forward to the possibility of representing the Island in what ever positive role model capacity he can and wants others to see what can be achieved when a Disabled Person's access requirements are met.