Contact: Derek T. Berry
Media Relations Manager
Ph: 202-877-1773
Mobile: 571-218-7594
Derek.T.Berry@medstar.net
The 5th Annual Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel, benefiting National Rehabilitation Hospital’s (NRH) BlazeSports Club, drew approximately 300 people and raised $40,000. Over the years, the event has raised more than $200,000 to help sports programs for those with disabilities, such as wheelchair basketball, soccer, quad rugby, sled hockey, hand cycling and more.
The race, which took place on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Tysons Corner Sport & Health Club in McLean, VA, was originally organized in 2004 by the wife, children and friends of Harry Freedman, an accomplished athlete who lost his leg in a worksite accident. The original purpose of the race was to benefit Harry – Super ‘H’ himself – with a state-of-the-art sport prosthetic leg. In just a few short years however, the event has gained national attention and grown into the Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel, a physical feat open to those of quite diverse abilities – runners, walkers, hand cyclists, moms pushing strollers, and those punching the rims of sleek, aerodynamic racing wheelchairs.
Today, the event continues to raise substantial funds for the NRH/DC Chapter of BlazeSports America, a national, community-based sports program for children and adults with physical disabilities. This year, the race proceeds will provide financial support for adaptive equipment, facilities rental, competition travel and other expenses. In addition, the Super H race will enable NRH BlazeSports teams to host regular clinics to open the world of sports to individuals with disabilities.
“So many people were there to help me in rebuilding my life,” says Freedman. “I want them to know how important it was to me, and we want to make sure there is someone there to help the children who need us now.”
Major sponsors for this year’s Super H 5K Run, Walk & Wheel included MetroStar Systems, Darren Starr Productions, Tri-Union Express, and many more.
This year’s first runner across the finish line and top male finisher, age 19 and over, was Ted Poulous of McLean, VA. Poulous posted a time of 19:14. Other top finishers included Tara Tredennick of Silver Spring, MD, the top female finisher, age 19 and up, with a time of 25:08. Top male and female finishers under age 17 included: Mark Joyce, age 17, of Arlington, VA (22:25) and Marissa Gitler, 17, of Vienna, VA (25:00). (Click here for the complete results.)
Just because the Super H 5K for 2009 is over, doesn’t mean you can’t still get involved, especially if you have a disability or know someone who is disabled and wants to stay active. Visit our Sports & Recreation section to learn more.