RaceRunning is a sport designed specifically for people who are not able to run due to severe motor and coordination disabilities. First invented in Denmark in 1991 to challenge the stereotypes of what people with cerebral palsy could or should do, the RaceRunning participants uses a custom-built three-wheeled trike – with a seat and chest pad for user’s upper body and weight support but no foot pedals – so the racerunner is able to propel forward using their feet and steering with hands and arms. RaceRunning is adaptive to many activities – sport, general fitness, play, family time – it is also highly beneficial to people with cerebral palsy in building muscle growth and bone density, leading to better posture, general strength, endurance, and control of trunk and limbs.
Recognising the multiple benefits of RaceRunning, Dr Sarah Reedman undertook to promote the sport in Australia and introducing it to the community. As part of the RaceRunning Australia working group, Sarah has been collaborating with like-minded researchers, allied health clinicians, and many potential athletes, to participate in come-and-try events across New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT. Teaming up with another researcher from UQ, Dr Emma Beckman (Exercise Physiologist), Sarah and Emma are establishing training facilities for athletes in conjunction with The University of Queensland Athletics Club, BLK Performance Centre and Disability Sports Australia.
In late May 2020, Drs Sarah Reedman and Emma Beckman took receipt of the five RaceRunners funded by the Brisbane City Council Access and Inclusion Partnership Grant. In 2021, Sarah was further awarded Early Career Research Project Award by the Children’s Hospital Foundation, for a new multi-site trial Run4Health, promoting active participation in running sports for people who are not able to run due to severe motor and coordination disabilities. The study comprises of participants using a running frame to run twice a week to see if cardiovascular risk factors improve. The trial has successfully recruited 12 participants, with 4 in Brisbane, 3 in Cairns, and 5 based at the Sunshine Coast. The study was featured on the ABC 7.30 Report, with study participant Isabella Stanfield along with her father Malcolm, speak out on her diagnoses and what goals she hopes to achieve during the trial.
RaceRunning is an innovative new sport for people with mobility and balance limitations. RaceRunning is now included on the World Para-athletics program for people with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury who are not able to functionally run, and it is hoped that it will be included in the Paralympic games schedule by 2024.
Project Contact: Dr Sarah Reedman, s.reedman@uq.edu.au
This project is funded by Brisbane City Council Access and Inclusion Partnership Grant, Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Chief Investigators: Dr Sarah Reedman, Prof. Roslyn Boyd, A/Prof. Leanne Sakzewski, Prof. Cathie Sherrington, Ms Lynda McNamara, Ms Kerry West, Dr Emma Beckman.
