Running Bikes are used by people of all
ages for recreation, everyday mobility and sport at all
levels.
The associated sport 'RaceRunning' is regulated by CPISRA and
has the goal of becoming a Paralympic athletics event. Commencing
this year RaceRunning will be included with IWAS (International
Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation) world events. Scotland
has a RaceRunning world record holder - Gavin Drysdale. Gavin, a
member of the Scottish National Disability Athletics Squad, holds
World Records in the U/12 RR3 category.
The Running Bike can be used by children from 3-4 years through
to adulthood. It is predominantly suitable for those with Cerebral
Palsy, although it is also suitable for those with Muscular
Dystrophy, Parkinsons Disease and other disabilities that affect
mobility and balance. The low centre of gravity and frame design
offers good stability and poise whilst running or walking. The
saddle unit counter-acts lateral sway and also can be used as a
seat when resting.
Running Bikes roll so freely that even children and adults who
have been restricted to power wheelchairs have now found a way
propelling themselves by their own efforts.
Quest 88 is at the forefront of promoting running bikes and race
running in the UK and are the official distributers for Petra
Running Bike in the UK and Ireland.Please complete our
online enquiry form to request a brochure and
pricelist.
Race Running Intro
Racerunner Athlete: Gavin Drysdale
Gavin Drysdale, (9) has broken two world records in the European
RaceRunning 2010 Championship in Denmark.
Gavin who was Great Britain's only representative and Scotland's
first-ever competitor - competed in a number of races including
under 12 age group in the 100 metres where he broke the world
record, which is an outstanding achievement. He then went on to
break the world record in the 800 metres for the same age
group.
Gavin has been involved in RaceRunning - a disability sport
where riders race on a three-wheeled bike by running rather than
pedalling - since the age of 5. He has cerebral palsy and was born
with low muscle tone, which means he has difficulty with all muscle
movements. He loses his balance easily and uses a walker when
outside, and has difficulty performing most day-to-day
activities.
He is unable to speak clearly, but has several ways of
communicating: he signs using Makaton sign language, with his
electronic Vantage communication device or with simple gestures and
a winning smile.
His world records follow his recently recorded personal bests at
the Scottish Disability Sport Open Junior Athletics
Championships.
Speaking about his experience Gavin said: "I was really proud to
represent my country at the European championship.
"It was a great experience for me competing at international
level and I would like to thank everyone who has helped. This
includes South Ayrshire Council who let me train at the Dam Park
stadium in Ayr, and it certainly helped me to produce times that
earned me two world records.
"I am going to keep training and hopefully win more competitions
in the future and I would love one day to represent my country in
the Paralympics."
Racerunner Athlete: Nick Bister
"As an athlete with cerebral palsy I compete using what is known
a Petra which I propel with my feet similar to a running/scooting
action. Holding various World and National records in those events
for athletes with CP, I also compete alongside able bodied runners
at distances from 10k to 1/2 marathon.
In 2006 Quest88 and Petra provided me with a new Petra
running bike and sponsorship. The new bike has allowed me to
achieve a comfortable and efficient running style. Once in the
saddle the Petra affords me freedom, fitness, and enjoyment of the
outdoors. With the involvement of Quest88 and the promotion of the
Petra an increase in the number of UK users is the aim. Likewise by
developing the sport it hoped to see more Race Runners lining up on
the start line for track events. There are also moves to get Race
Running recognized as a Paralympic event."