Making a run for fairness and inclusion: Guinness World Record breaking wheelchair tandem team takes on Victoria Half Marathon

October 3, 2018 – Athletic adventurers Jason Cole and Rand Surbey, who lives with cerebral palsy, will be running for fairness and inclusion in giant turkey costumes this Thanksgiving Sunday in Victoria.

In 2014 through 2017, the pair ran the half marathon in 1 hour 34 minutes – a whopping 20 minutes faster than the standing Guinness World Record for Fastest half marathon pushing a wheelchair. The time has never been broken, even though it has never been officially recognized. When they submitted their time and evidence to Guinness World Records, they were rejected because they used a home-made racing wheelchair built by Jason.

Their unofficial but uncontested record became a touchpoint for universality and fairness. Specially built wheelchairs are expensive and inaccessible. The pair are now seeking notoriety in the name of access and inclusion. “Our goal since beginning our racing careers has always been to advance the inclusivity of fun athletic events, regardless of people’s financial or physical status,” says Jason.

On Sunday, the dynamite duo will be running the GoodLife Victoria Marathon in their signature creative costumes. The pair will be speeding along in a racing chair from Ainsley’s Angels, paid for by the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, and raising funds for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC. In 2017, the CPABC named the Jason & Rand Fund in their honour. The fund provides financial support for mobility aids and special equipment.

During their visit to Victoria, the pair will be followed by a documentary film crew capturing the race and the bond between the two adventurers.

Jason says, “We plan on putting on a good show in great costumes. We are trying to beat our personal best record. If nothing else this race is about holding your head up high even knowing you may not be the top competitor –  it’s more important to just be a competitor.”

“It’s not about the record. It about compassion, humanity, and dignity–and fundraising too. Go, Jason! Go, Rand!” – a supporter

Supporters can pledge to Jason and Rand’s fundraising page here.

 

Media Inquiries:

Jason and Rand are available for interviews or to join them on their training runs.

 

Lindsay Macleod

Events & Development Coordinator

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

Tel:604-408-9484 / 1-800-663-0004 (toll-free)

events@bccerebralpalsy.com

The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with CP to reach their maximum potential within society. We provide support, education, and information throughout BC.