Paralympians Participating in Annual Ridgewood Run

[Editor's note: The following press release was sent by The Kessler Foundation.]

Several Paralympians – some of the best athletes with disabilities from around the world, will compete in the 12th Annual Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K, the wheelchair division of the Fred d’Elia Ridgewood Run, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. The 10K starts at Graydon Pool in Ridgewood at 8:40 a.m.

“What began with just a few racers has developed into a hallmark competition for elite racers with disabilities from around the world,” said Rodger DeRose, president and chief executive officer of Kessler Foundation. “The real beauty of the 10K emerges when you see the thrill on the faces of the spectators. As they watch the wheelchair racers, disabilities become secondary to their abilities. It’s also exciting to watch junior racers with disabilities return year after year and see their progress as they develop into world-class athletes.”

Four competitors, including one from Spain, who are slated to compete in the Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K are headed to London for the 2012 Summer Paralympics—an international sporting event for athletes with physical disabilities held immediately following the Olympics in the same venue. Jacqui Kapinowski, from N.J., competes in both the summer and winter Paralympics. Members of the North Jersey Navigators—an adaptive sports team partially funded by Kessler Foundation—are also competing in the 10K. These junior athletes with disabilities compete on the international level.

The Ridgewood Run has taken place every Memorial Day for the past 36 years. It is one of the oldest races in New Jersey and the first to incorporate wheelchair racers. The wheelchair division kicks off the event with the runners starting 5 minutes later. The 10K attracts more than 35 national and international wheelchair athletes.

The Kessler Foundation Wheelchair 10K is one of the largest integrated races in the country, where wheelchair racers and runners simultaneously compete on the same course. To register, visit give.KesslerFoundation.org/events.