ELYRIA, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 19, 2005–On April 18, 2005, spectators at the 109th Boston Marathon witnessed the speed and agility of Invacare Corporation’s Top End(R) Eliminator(TM) OSR Racing Chair as the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions raced this chair to victory. Team Invacare’s victory was accented by Ernst Van Dyk, who achieved a record fifth consecutive win at the Marathon.
With a winning time of 1:24:45, Team Invacare’s Van Dyk was more than five minutes ahead of the second place finisher, his Team Invacare teammate, Krige Schabort. Schabort finished with a time of 1:30:03. He was followed closely by Franz Nietlispach, who had a time of 1:30:34. Nietlispach also is on Team Invacare and had led the Boston Marathon from 1997 – 2000, with four consecutive wins.
“The Boston Marathon is a mental race,” said Van Dyk. “The headwind during this year’s race was very strong and I kept pushing myself faster and faster. I had no idea that I had created such a big lead. I thought Krige and Franz were right behind me.”
Regarding his fifth consecutive win Van Dyk said, “It’s a big honor and it has taken a lot of hard work. The Boston Marathon is my favorite race. Now it is time to look forward to next year.”
In the women’s wheelchair division, Team Invacare’s Cheri Blauwet won her second Boston Marathon with a winning time of 1:47:45. She was followed by Team Invacare’s Diane Roy, who finished at 1:50:53. Sandra Graf, who races in an Invacare Top End Eliminator OSR, held the third place position with a time of 1:51:46.
At a press conference following the race Blauwet said of her victory, “I followed my plan of attack, which was to race as smart as possible. Race fairly. This year’s victory felt like more of a solid win. I think anyone can win once…when you are able to win twice, it makes you feel solidified in your hard work.”
The Invacare(R) Top End(R) Eliminator(TM) OSR is designed for speed. The super-stiff roll-formed horizontal maintube, combined with a relaxed headtube angle for exceptional stability and aerodynamics, makes it the choice of the champion racers – as was seen at this year’s Boston Marathon.
Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The company has 6,100 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare’s website at www.invacare.com.
Invacare Corporation’s Team Invacare sponsors approximately 75 wheelchair athletes and teams, including wheelchair tennis, basketball (the Cleveland Cavaliers wheelchair team and individuals), quad rugby teams, and individual track and racing athletes.
Contact:
Invacare Corporation
Lara L. Mahoney, 440-329-6393