entry in the annual May 24 marathon.

West Pembroke School students Maurico Symons, six, and Zeik Blakeney, nine, were talking one day when Zeik, who is confined to a wheelchair, said he would love to be able to run in the marathon.

Maurico thought it would be a great idea and offered to let Zeik use his legs to run the race.

That night, while talking about his friend, Maurico asked his father if he would lend Zeik his legs.

Larry Symons said: "Sure, I'll push and Zeik can navigate.'' Mr. Symons began training for the race last month and is looking forward to the day.

"My son was the one who really wanted to do this,'' he said.

"I went to the school and the teachers there put me in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Blakeney.

"I asked them if it would be all right to push Zeik in the race and they said `yes'.

"When I met Zeik, he was so sparkly and that gave me enough encouragement to do this.'' Running for the handicapped He added that it was his son's love of handicapped children that made him want to run the marathon with Zeik.

"I want to raise funds for all handicapped children on the Island,'' Mr.

Symons said.

He asked that all handicapped people come out to the roadside on the day of the race and cheer on him and Zeik.

Mr. Symons said: "I would love to see all handicapped kids and people from all over the Island along the side of the road. That would be enough for me.''