Ernest Van Dyk Seeks Ninth Wheelchair Win at the Boston Marathon

posted on Apr 06 by Admin in the Disability News, Wheelchair Sports category

Eight time winner Ernest Van Dyk of South Africa is going for a record setting ninth win at this year’s Boston Marathon wheelchair division. The Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2010. Van Dyk won the title six consecutive years from 2000-2006, placed second in 2007, and then reclaimed his title in 2008 and 2009. In 2004, he set a wheelchair marathon record with his winning time of 1:18:27.

Over 20 wheelchair users will compete in this year’s marathon. Van Dyk’s toughest competition are racers Masazumi Soejima of Japan and Krige Schabort of the US. Soejima won 2007′s marathon where Van Dyk placed second and he was the runner up in last year’s marathon. The competitors face a 26.2 mile race with the winner taking a $30,000 prize.

For more information on the Boston Marathon and the wheelchair division please go to the official Boston Athletic Association – B.A.A. website.