Can a person in a wheelchair take part in the SaskCentral Queen City Marathon?

Our Full Marathon event currently allows standard push-rim racing wheelchairs, as well as hand-cycles.  At the moment, both types (push-rim and hand-cycles) participate in the same category. We strongly recommend that all wheelchair participants wear bicycle helmets for their own safety.

The course surface is primarily paved pathways, with some residential streets and small sections of crushed-stone pathway. There are some curbs present where pathways merge with streets and vice-versa. There are also some wooden, two-way-single-file pedestrian bridges and some hills.

We regret that some parts of the course are not as wheelchair friendly as we might wish. 

The course starts at an elevation of 579 meters (1,900 feet). The lowest point is 545 meters (1,788 feet) near the 16km mark. The highest point is 617 meters (2,024 feet) near the 28km mark, at the crest of a little hill we call "Mount Milos", in honour of long-time participant/ volunteer/World IronMan Champion, Milos Kostic.                   

                              (Photo courtesy Regina Leader-Post)

The wheelchair full marathon event of the SaskCentral QCM is reserved for athletes classified as having a disability requiring the use of a wheelchair. Able-bodied individuals may not participate in the wheelchair event. Please note that, in certain rare circumstances, the SaskCentral QCM organizers reserve the right to require proof of disability prior to allowing participation in the wheelchair marathon event. Medical documentation or proof of disability classification may be requested, if certain unusual circumstances warrant.

 

How long is the Full Marathon course officially open for wheelchairs?

The Full Marathon course is officially open for 6 hours (8:00 AM - 2:00 PM). Wheelchair participants must be able to complete the Full Marathon within those time parameters.

The SaskCentral QCM assumes no responsibility (including traffic control, medical and aid station support) for registered participants still out on the course after these times. However, out of respect for the dedication and determination of our most tenacious participants, a skeleton finish line, timing and medical crew will typically remain in place until the final participant crosses the finish line in victory.

 

CLICK HERE FOR ELEVATION CHART AND MOST RECENT MAP (PDF's).
2008 Maps will be uploaded as soon as they are ready.

 

What time do wheelchair participants start the race?

Wheelchair participants start 5 minutes early, at 7:55 AM. Please make sure you are in position at the starting line no later than 7:50 AM. Please allow yourself enough time to get through the crowds and into position. If you require assistance, do not hesitate to ask our SaskCentral QCM volunteers to assist you.

 

Where do I attach the timing chip on my wheelchair?

Please attach the timing chip securely to the lowest part of your wheelchair, making sure the centre “tube” of the timing chip is pointing down.

 

I’m visually impaired…can I bring my guide dog?

The only animals the SaskCentral QCM allows on the course are registered guide dogs, assisting visually impaired participants. To make arrangements in advance, please email runqcm@hotmail.com or call 1-866-2-RUN-QCM (1-866-278-6726).

 

As I am visually impaired, can I have a friend run or walk with me as my guide? Does my guide have to register, too?

If you wish to have a friend guide you during the race, arrangements can be made to accommodate that. Your guide must stay with you for the duration of the race.

Your guide may register as a SaskCentral QCM participant or not, according to their choice. If your guide is a registered participant, they must wear their regular race bib as well as a second race bib that says: “GUIDE”, which the SaskCentral QCM shall supply. They will receive their own timing chip and will receive an official time and a finisher medal.

If your guide is NOT a registered participant, the SaskCentral QCM will provide your guide with a race bib that says: “GUIDE”. Your guide will receive the same on-course and post-race support as a registered participant, but they will NOT receive a timing chip or an official time, nor will they automatically receive a finisher medal.

To make arrangements in advance, please email runqcm@hotmail.com ASAP or call 1-866-2-RUN-QCM (1-866-278-6726).

 

Can I use my white cane during the race?

If that is what you would normally use to assist you, then, yes, of course.