Para Tri Series Launched

The launch of Para Tri, the UK’s first ever mass-participation event dedicated to people with disabilities, was announced this week, which will be held at Dorney Lake, the London 2012 rowing venue, in August 2015.

The Series was announced by Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas, Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi and Paralympian and founder Sophia Warner.

The inaugural paratriathlon aims to build on the legacy of the Paralympics, but is not just for the elite.

Participants can choose from five paratriathlon distances, which have been designed for every fitness level and ability.

The ‘Sprint Para Tri’ is aimed at absolute beginners – and if participants want to face the challenge with able-bodied family, friends and colleagues they can invite them to make up a team for one of the two Para Tri relay events. Athletes looking for a serious challenge can sign up to the ‘Full Para Tri’ and take on the same distances as the elite paratriathletes at Rio 2016.

Paralympian and Para Tri founder Sophia Warner commented: ‘In 1998 I was the first disabled participant to complete the London Triathlon. Even as an elite athlete I found the prospect of entering an able-bodied event daunting. Disability sport falls into two main categories: rehabilitation and elite – with very few opportunities for the majority in between. Para Tri is the realisation of a long-held dream to create a series of dedicated events that anyone with a disability can enter.’

Lance Corporal Derek Derenalagi, who is also supported by Help for Heroes said: ‘High-profile events like the Paralympics have inspired the nation, and the number of people with disabilities involved in sport has never been higher. We hope Para Tri will help this trend to continue. This is going to be a fantastic event for everyone to get involved in. Families and friends can compete together or you can take on the challenge on your own. There is something for everyone.’