New partnership confirms commitment to make road races more accessible.

OTTAWA – APRIL 26 – Organizers of the 2012 Tamarack Homes Ottawa Race Weekend have included a new category in its popular 10 km race for blind / visually impaired runners. Race Weekend takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27.

Run Ottawa partnered earlier this year with Won with One and Achilles Ottawa to enter about 60 athletes into the 10 km distance – estimated to be the largest field of blind / visually impaired athletes, guides and supporters ever entered into the already sold-out 10 km race.

“This is a welcome first in our 38-year history,” says Jim Robinson, Race Director and President, Tamarack Homes Ottawa Race Weekend. “We’ve always had a policy to accommodate all runners. Also offering free registration to sighted guides accompanying the runners is a signal of our commitment to ensure this new category is a success in what is Canada’s premier and largest race event.”

Athletes with vision loss will join 10,500 other runners to complete the race along Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal area. They will run with sighted guides, who provide verbal descriptions of the course during the entire race – calling out potential hazards, turns in the road and changes in altitude.

“We are pleased with how receptive Ottawa area sports events organizers are to including blind and visually impaired athletes in their races,” says Jan Ditchfield, founder of Won with One. “In particular, organizers of the Tamarack Homes Ottawa Race Weekend have been tremendously supportive by creating this new category within their 10 km race.”

“Having a new category for blind and visually impaired runners highlights how, with a little help from guides, they can experience all that running has to offer,” says Jason Dunkerley, founder of Achilles Ottawa.

There are still spots available for blind and visually impaired athletes interested in registering to run. They can contact Won with One (wonwithone@gmail.com) or Achilles Ottawa (jason@ala.ca) for information.
www.runottawa.ca