Prairie Striders Position on Defibrillators

Race directors are encouraged to inform the Brookings Health System ambulance service of race dates, times, and locations. Defibrillators are available through the Brookings Health System ambulance service, Brookings first responders, and Brookings police, all of whom are trained in the use of defibrillators and have a reasonable response time to all racing venues. Therefore, it is the position of Prairie Striders that defibrillators will not be required at Strider-sponsored events.

Adopted: July 2009

Prairie Striders Position on Pushrim Wheelchairs and Handcycle/Hand-crank Wheelchairs

Given the small size of most local events, it is understood that a separate wheelchair division may not be practical. When safety issues can be adequately addressed, race directors in Strider-sponsored running events are encouraged to allow participation by wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair, in this context, refers to pushrim wheelchairs. These chairs require self-propelled motion without assistance of gears.

Handcycles are not considered wheelchairs in this context. Handcycles (also known as hand-crank wheelchairs) are powered by turning a crank connected to bicycle-style gears which offer a mechanical advantage. This position is supported by the USATF ruling that competition should consist of "self-propelled motion without assistance (2004)." Wheelchair Athletics USA also maintains that wheelchair racing and handcycling are two different sports. Race Directors may allow participation by handcycles, but should not combine handcycles and wheelchairs in the same competitive division.

Adopted: April 2009

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