From 1982 – 1989, I participated in backward wheelchair racing, without receiving any outstanding results. I never felt that I could ”submit myself” completely – I had more power but my CP prevented from making the most out of it.

Therefore in 1989 I contacted the famous wheelchair racer Connie Hansen who was educated as an ergo therapist, to help me develop a wheelchair where I could use all my muscle power.

After a while Connie asked me why I wanted to wheel backwards and not forwards. I agreed to the idea of running forward and we made some drawings and the first Petra (RaceRunner) was made out of : a front wheel, handlebars and a saddle from a bicycle, the back from a swivel chair and some pipes from an old vacuum cleaner. Connie’s father who was a retired blacksmith put all this together to something I could run in.

From the results we could see that this was better than moving backwards. My record was 38 seconds on 100 m and on one of my first time keepings in the RaceRunner the time was 28 seconds.

Soon we found out that this thing was something others could use and that is why I lined up in my RaceRunner at the Robin Hood Games in 1993 where I raced against CP2L.

At that moment I got the CPISRA attention and one of the CPISRA classifiers said that himself the first time he saw me running in the RaceRunner in this way: “This is the right way to compete. By running forward you show that you want to attack and win. By running backwards you are escaping (from something)”.

Why the names Petra/Race Running (by Mansoor Siddiqi)

In 1992, when we were still testing the Race Runner there was the Paralympics in Barcelona. The mascot of the games was a girl named Petra. She had no arms but good strong legs and she could do all sorts of sports. She symbolized the potential of the new sport and an important approach to any life’s circumstances – always look for the resources and find a way to compensate for disabilities.

Gradually when this discipline has been presented all over the World the reaction from people was why is it called Petra. In 1997 we changed the name to Race Running.

Definition of sport

Race Running is an athletic discipline where the athletes are running with their feet while using a three wheeled running frame for support of their body.

The Race Runner has support from a saddle and a body support plate while he steer it with arms/hands on a steering handle.

While it may look like a bicycle is really a running frame, there are no pedals.

Specification of a Race Runner Bike

• The frame has got 2 rear wheels and 1 front wheel
• Max length 200 cm.  Max width 95 cm (outside the two rear wheels)
• Front wheel size: Up to 25”. Rear wheels size: Up to  27”
• Saddle may have other shapes than the traditional type of racing saddle
• Body support plate may be individual shaped and provide stability
• The body may be strapped to the plate with belt or orthopaedic Brace
• Steering handle should ensure that the athlete is able to race and manoeuvre safely
• Hands may be strapped to the handlebars
• If the athlete is able to use a brake it should be fitted
• No engine is allowed

At this time CPIRSA’s championship program offers competition for athletes in class CP 1 and CP-2.  Some countries may include other disability groups and less disabled persons in their national championships but, naturally, in an additional classification.

CPISRA Program

At this time the CPISRA program offers the following distances to men and woman:

100 M, 200 M, 400 M and 800 M. Competitions should be conducted under the current International Amateur Athletics Association (IAAF).

Every year in week 28, Denmark hosts one week of an international training camp for every one who is active in Race Running. The content of this camp is partly training but also the Race Runner Cup will be held at this event for Race Runners exclusively.

Areas of development work

In some countries Race Runners run 1500 M, 5000 M and road race 5 K, 10 K, ½- and full marathon. Athletes are looking forward to compete at longer distances within CPISRA.  The CPISRA Classification Committee is preparing a proposal for a functional classification system specific for Race Running. Technical video and instructional clinics are offered by the Race Runner Coordinator.

Petra and Cavalier

by Connie Hansen

Petra and Cavalier - Users and Philosophy - 17 Minutes
An Introduction to Race Running - 26 Minutes
Race Running Camp 2003 - 19 Minutes

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Race Running Camp & Theory Film

Petra / Racerunner Camp 2003 - 18 Minutes
Description of different runners, etc. - 26 Minutes

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