Wheelsie – Off And Racing

Living life in the fast lane is nothing new for Chris Keillor, also known as Wheelsie, former Bowen local and current champion wheelchair marathoner.

Just a few weeks ago, Chris completed the Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, and was the only wheelchair participant.

He completed the 42.2-kilometre marathon in just five and a half hours.

“It has been my favourite course so far, but I was hoping to have it done in four and a half hours, but because of the headwinds, it boosted me back to five and a half hours,” he said.

“I was the first person in the history of the Airlie Beach Marathon event to ever turn up in a wheelchair and want to give it a go.”

Chris became involved in wheelchair running back in 2015.

“I felt so amazing at the finish line, that I just wanted to run it all over again,” he said.

Since then, Chris has committed to training twice daily, and while he is in Bowen, that includes running up Flagstaff Hill.

He now looks to complete an ultra-marathon from Perth to Melbourne, a 3,500-kilometre trek.

“But instead of running 42 kilometres, I’m looking to average between 55 and 65 a day, that way I can have rest Sundays,” he explains.

Chris became wheelchair bound 19 years ago in a road accident, when his bicycle collided with a car and his back was broken in three places.

Competing in marathons has been a reprieve for Chris and a motivation for him to inspire other wheelchair bound people.

And the secret to his success?

He swears by taking a drink of Moro Extra Virgin Olive Oil daily, to keep your bones lubricated and your muscles strong.

Added bonus, Chris claims the oil removes any and all pain.

With championships across two states, Chris is looking forward to returning to the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival for 2024.

“I’ve got to defend my title!” he laughs.

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Chris ‘Wheelsie’ Keillor is a marathon champion and completed the Airlie Beach Marathon earlier this month. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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