A highlight of the Super Heroes 5K run in Port Royal, on April 23rd will be the appearance of Adam Gorlitsky who has overcome paralysis from the waist down to compete in running competition. He was one of the first paralyzed persons in history to compete in the Cooper River Run on April 2nd.
The 29-year-old Gorlitsky will compete in the race using a wearable robotic exoskeleton that provides powered hip and knee motion to enable individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to stand upright and walk. He was paralyzed in a car crash at 19 years of age. The exoskeleton system provides user-initiated mobility through the integration of a wearable brace support, a computer-based control system and motion sensors. The system allows independent, controlled walking while mimicking the natural gait patterns of the legs. ReWalk, developer of the system, is the only FDA cleared exoskeleton system in the U.S., with clearances for both personal use at home and in the community, as well as for the rehabilitation setting.
Proceeds from the 5K run will go to the Port Royal Elementary School 4th and 5th Grade Girls Run Club, which educates young female runners on the benefits of running. A portion of the proceeds also will go to the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort County (CAPA).
The April 23 race starts at 8 a.m., beginning and ending at Live Oaks Park, corner of 14th Street and London Avenue, according to McDuff. Pre-registration is available online until April 20 and also from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on race day. T-shirts are guaranteed to participants who register by April 15. Registration and packet pickup is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 22 at Port Royal Elementary School and on race day at Live Oaks Park, Port Royal from 7 to 7:30 a.m. Early discounted registration price is $20 adults and $15 for students. Registration is through www.active.com; superhero5kpres.com or on Facebook at PresSuperHero5K.
“This is a dog friendly race,” McDuff said, “and race volunteers would be welcomed.”
