 Boy! What a racer
Arthur Cutter has raced in half marathons and now marathons for the past
thirteen years, having built up his fitness and strength following his
accident fifteen years ago. One of his favourite races is the Grunty Fen
half marathon road race, although all wheelchair racers were excluded in
2003 from this race. Unperturbed, Arthur nevertheless raced in the BUPA
Great North Run in September and also travelled to NYC with his daughter
to take part in the ING New York Marathon in November. He was second in
his age group for his class!
 From Newcastle to London via NYC
The organisers of the London Marathon, despite the precedent set by the New
Yorkers, have also excluded Arthur and other disabled tricyclists from the
race, on the seemingly illogical basis that they are not classed as
athletes. Arthur would dearly love to take part in the London Marathon, he is
hoping to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association through his
participation. He
does not see his mode of transport as having an unfair advantage against wheelchair
racers, which are included in the race. Indeed, time for time, wheel chair
and tricyclist entrants in the New York race are essentially position to
position. So, it seems there is no advantage. Moreover, if NYC can
overcome any safety issues, then why not London?
Supporters
Arthur has contacted his local Member of Parliament for South East
Cambridgeshire, James Paice, the East Cambridgeshire Disability Forum, the
UK's Disability Rights Commission, Disability Sport for England, the
English Federation of Disability Sport. and Maria Eagle MP, the Minister
for Disability, seeking their support in his campaign. Arthur trains at
the West End Gym in Ely and Cottenham Gym on the
Fen Edge. |
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