by Larry Eder
Marcel Hug, ready for space, 2017 BMW Berlin Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net
The sport of wheelchair racing has changed much over the years. GBTC team mates Bill Rodgers is shown, in 1979, passing wheelchair pioneer Bob Hall. The chairs were heavier then, and the racing was less sophisticated. So much has changed in 2019, including a competitive and profressional wheelchair circuit.
If you follow the wheelchair marathon racing scene, you know Marcel Hug. Marcel is one of the finest tacticians and a keen sprinter in the marathon season, where he does 8-12 marathons a year, including Bostorn and London, which are one week apart.
Marcel Hug, 2016 Boston Marathon Champ, photo by PhotoRun.net
I compare wheelchair racing to bicycle racing. The pack is tight, the racing is furious, and then, the sprint. It is quite exciting. Marcel was sitting next to me in the presser on Wednesday and he graciously complied with my request for an interview!
Good luck to Marcel Hug, who begins his defense in Dubai at 5.50 AM local time!
