Framerunning (formerly known as racerunning) is a sport that was developed in Denmark over 20 years ago and is now becoming a Paralympic sport. It is the brainchild of Connie Hansen, who competed in wheelchair racing against another competitor who had to race backwards by pushing himself with his feet. She was concerned about the long-term effects this would have and asked her father to construct an alternative wheeled structure. The Petra Racerunner, as it was then called, was initially manufactured for adults but children soon asked to have a go. Framerunning is suitable for all ages when walking is a struggle. It is particularly suits those who have cerebral palsy, but many other conditions affecting muscles, joints, post illness loss of stamina or post Covid can benefit.

The framerunner is made up of 3 wheels, a smaller at the front and 2 larger racing wheels at the back, which means very little friction. There is a saddle, which can be raised and lowered for easy entry from a chair or wheelchair. The chest plate is flat or curved depending on upper body and head control and you steer with handle bars just like a bike. There are no pedals. The slight forward tilt makes stepping easier. Adjustments are important to ensure saddle comfort, reach, neck and body position as well as aerodynamics.

Please let us know if you’d like to come along to have a go at FRDC, we accept all levels of experience and all ages and all sizes!

For further in depth learning please see this Frame Running Awareness and Coaching course