Racers prepare to begin the 14th annual Super H 5K race Sunday morning, Sept. 24 in Tysons Corner. Photo by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
Sunday Morning, Sept. 24 the starting line of the 5K at the Sports & Health Club at Tysons Corner, was filled with people waiting to wheel their way to victory.
The annual 5K Walk and Wheel is a community benefit for Adaptive Sports Programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network in Washington, D.C. The race sponsors sports programs like yoga, basketball, boccia ball, cycling, fitness, quad rugby, and rowing, for people with disabilities.
The race is held each year to honor those in the surrounding community. It was named after Harry Freedman who lost his leg — the Super H.
Although many of the racers aren’t disabled, plenty of people were there to run alongside those in wheelchairs and bikes.
Pete Brown of Alexandria accompanied Ryan Brown, a patent examiner from Alexandria who was participating in the race for the first time. “It’s going to be a good race,” said Ryan Brown. “I’m just here to accompany him,” said Pete Brown.
Funds raised from the Super H 5K have helped MedStar’s NRN wheelchair basketball team compete in their national wheelchair basketball tournament and paralympic athletes reach the U.S. paralympic team which helps athletes with disabilities compete in the Olympics.
Don Brazelton, a financial professional and fitness instructor was wearing a superman suit and holding a megaphone. He was the official announcer of the race and as one of the original organizers has been participating in support of his friend Harry for 14 years.
“We started this as a fundraiser to pay for Harry’s sea-leg, because his insurance company wouldn’t pay for it. We put on the race every year to facilitate the financing of challenged athletes,” said Brazelton.
Recently, Brazelton and Freedman did a short segment for local channel 9 on the race.
“It’s very inspiring to see athletes of all ages. The course is somewhat hilly and it makes you realize that as a healthy person you really can’t complain!” said Brazelton.
Top three women finishers:
Megan Heidt, Silver Spring, Md.; Emily Riffle, Washington, D.C.; and Megan Moran, Chantilly, Va.
Top three men finishers:
Anthony Caparella, Silver Spring, Md.; Bryce Doody, Rockville, Md.; and Joseph Baremore, Silver Spring, Md.