Sunny Australia Day Summer Down Under Series
On a sunny Australia Day morning, the 2009 Arrive Alive OZ Day 10K wheelchair race marked the 20th anniversary of Australia's Summer Down Under Road and Track Series, hosted by Wheelchair Sports NSW.
Held in the rocks district of Sydney, the 10km event attracted a world-class field of athletes from over 12 countries. Large numbers of spectators cheered the competitors at the start / finish line on Alfred Street, Circular Quay, as others watched the race at various vantage points along the course, which wound through George Street and Hickson Road.
Athens Paralympic gold medalist Kurt Fernley won the open men's category for the 5th consecutive year beating Richard Nicholson by 69 seconds.
The open women's title was hotly contested and won in a tight finish by Australian racer Christie Dawes, narrowly beating Louise Sauvage who made a special comeback visit for the 20th anniversary event. Dawes stopped the clock after 10km at 25 minutes 21 seconds, beating Sauvage by less than a second.
Spectrum Worldwide are extremely proud to have worked on the 20th anniversary Oz Day 10K event and enjoy the long standing relationship that they have with Wheelchair Sports NSW.