Three thousand superheroes fly through Dorney Lake for disability triathlon

More than 3,300 people showed up for a disability-focused, Superhero-themed triathlon at Dorney Lake on Saturday (August 17).

Hundreds of Spider-Mans, Captain Americas, Hulks, Black Widows and other daring superheroes took over the lake as part of The Superhero Tri (powered by Marvel) on Saturday.

The event was founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner in 2016. Its aim is to hold ‘bold, fun and inclusive sporting challenges’ for people with disabilities.

Each year, it sees ‘Superheroes’ take on challenging courses in ways that suit them, with ‘Sidekicks’ there to help them save the day.

The Superhero Series was born out of ‘a lack of sporting events for the Everyday Superhero.’ Naturally, the wearing of masks, capes and pants over tights is positively encouraged.

Participants can choose from a multitude of ways to complete the three different length ‘fun and flexible’ tri challenges.

They can fly solo and take on all three stages (a swim, cycle and push/run), share the fun in a team relay, or recruit ‘Sidekick’ teammates to tow, push and pull them around the entire course.

The only stipulation is that all solo entrants or at least one member per team considers themselves to have a disability of any kind.

There are no cut-off times and ‘all types of gadgets and gismos are welcome’ on the courses – ie, no equipment restrictions.

Swimmers can use flippers or floats or be towed in a vessel on the water; cyclists can use all types of adaptive bikes and wheelchairs; and for running/pushing, everything from baby buggies to race runners and powered chairs are actively encouraged.

Each teammate, however big or small their role, receives a T-shirt, a medal and a ‘Super Kit Bag’ for their part in the mission.

They can also win the chance to unite with stars from sport and screen in the Celebrity Superhero Tri relay, which is a ‘regular highlight of the day’.

Thirty Everyday Superheroes shared their story about how they found their superpower and competed alongside celebrity captains.

This year, that included comedian and talk show host Adam Hills, Para-canoe gold medallist Anne Usher, food columnist and GBBO semi-finalist Briony May Williams, TV reporter and presenter Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and Paralympic Equestrian gold medallist Sophie Christiansen.

Founder Sophia Warner said:

“This year feels even more special with the 2024 Paralympics set to celebrate the elite side of disability sport.

“The Superhero Series shows what’s possible when you remove the obstacles of limited timetables, cut-off times and inadequate sporting equipment.

“It’s so important that everyone, no matter their ability, is offered the opportunity to be active and experience the joy of taking part in a large-scale sporting event.”

This year, the Superhero Tri was maxed out, with floods of superheroes and sidekicks attending.

The 2024 highlights, hosted by Clare Balding, will be broadcast on Channel 4 in September.

The next Superhero Tri will be held on August 16, 2025. Meanwhile, the next ‘Winter Wonderwheels’ event is set for December 1.

See more at https://superheroseries.co.uk/winter-wonderwheels-2024