GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Despite wet weather, excitement was in the air at the launch of the 2022 Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) at Carpe Diem School tonight in the run-up to the race that starts at 07:00 tomorrow morning (Saturday 15 October) with the 42,2km race.
A Carpe Diem dance group got the spirits up with a lively performance before chief race organiser, Alewijn Dippenaar gave an introduction of some of the top racers in the marathon and half-marathon.
They include Paralympic Games gold medallist Pieter du Plessis, veteran Stuart McCreadie and World Cup gold medallist Justine Asher.
Dippenaar said that this year, for the first time, prize money will be handed out for gold, silver and bronze medal winners.
The design of the medals has also been updated and racers can expect medals with a fresh new look. The pushers in the 5km fun race will also for the first time receive medals, along with the wheelchair riders.
Georgian racer Shaun Butler said he is ready for the race, but he hopes the rain will lift. "I don't like to race in the rain, but it is sure to make the track more interesting."
15-year-old Zach Legward from Cape Town will be taking part in the half marathon race for the first time. He has won five golds in the 10km at the OCC, and feels ready to venture out in the longer race. "When I started riding my dad built my first bike. As I got older he built me another one, and then I got too big for that one and I am now on my third bike."
Zach said he would like to give his old bike to someone who would use it. It that has been standing in their garage for a year. "I am the only junior who is riding hand cycles and it's a bit lonely. I would like to see other juniors riding with me."
Zach's dad, Geoff, said Zach has been training very hard.
VIDEO: Excitement at launch of OCC
Sponsors, a number of representatives from municipalities in the Garden Route, including George Mayor Leon van Wyk and George Cllr Dirk Wessels, as well as entrants in the various races attended the launch.
The 10km race starts at 07:30, the 5km fun race at 10:00 and a new fun business category at 10:15
