FUND-RAISERS will get the chance to retrace the tracks of their Formula One heroes when they participate in a charity wheelathon this Friday.
The Fourth Annual Charity Wheelathon at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir, is being held to raise money for local charities.
Last year the event brought in more than BD6,000 for the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation and other local charities.
Participants can compete using any non-motorised mode of transport that has wheels, such as bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, scooters and buggies.
Prizes will be given to those generating the highest levels of individual sponsorship within each category.
Children's prizes are donated by Carousel and Coca-Cola and adults have the chance to win two KLM Royal Dutch Airlines return tickets to Europe.
"There has been lots of interest," said event organiser on behalf of the St Christopher's Cathedral, David Axtell.
"Last year we had 500 people down on the day but we'll see what happens this year.
"A number of schools will be there, but mainly it's individual participation and there is a cash prize of BD250 for the school that raises the most between them."
The children's age categories are under four, five to nine, 10 to 13, and 14 to 17. There is also an adult category.
Registration is BD10 for adults and BD3 for children.
The 5.4km wheelathon track is divided into a fast and slow lane to accommodate all abilities. There is also a 2.2km track for smaller children.
Mr Axtell said the BIC was an ideal location to hold the wheelathon, which offered one of a few opportunities that individuals and particularly families got to safely ride a bike in Bahrain.
"It's a really relaxed day out, you can do one lap or race around as many times as you like," he told the GDN.
"We get teenagers that start on a bike, switch to rollerblades and then finish on skateboards.
A host of entertainment will take place alongside the event including DJ Krazy Kevin, Porsche Kids Driving School, face painting, balloon twisting, clowns and a bouncy castle.
"Everything's in place for the day," said Mr Axtell.
"Porsche is bringing the kiddies' cars for the driving school, it's very popular during Formula One and it fits nicely with our non-motorised wheel theme."
The wheelathon will be held from 3pm and prior to the event, at 1pm a series of teams will compete in the Fancy Dress Hospital Bed Race.
Two teams of six (one in the bed and five pushing) will compete in head to head combat down the main straight of the F1 track for a stretch of 500m.
The beds have been donated by the American Mission Hospital, who will also be on hand on the day.
Registration is BD60 per team.
The charities to benefit this year include the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation and Think Pink Bahrain, which raises money in support of breast cancer awareness.
Sponsors are BIC, Porsche, Coca-Cola, KLM, Carousel, InterGlobal, Royal Sun Alliance and NCB Capital.
Anyone interested in participating or sponsoring the event should contact Ali Seward on 17253866 during office hours, or Mr Axtell on 39432133.