Paratriathlon

WHO: Paratriathlon events are for athletes with physical and visual impairments. See the ITU categories section below:

There are currently six categories for physically challenged athletes to compete in.

Hand cycle: Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Polio, Double Leg Amputee. Athletes must use a recumbent hand cycle on bike course and racing wheel chair on run.

TRI 2 - Severe leg impairment including above knee amputees. Athletes must ride bicycles and run with above knee prosthesis (or similar prosthesis) or run using crutches.

TRI 3 - Les Autres: This category includes athletes with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, double leg amputee runners or paralysis in multiple limbs. These athletes will ride a bicycle and run. They may use braces or prosthesis if required.

TRI 4 - Arm impairment including paralysis, above elbow amputees and below elbow amputees, or impairment in both upper limbs. Athletes may use prosthesis, brace or sling on the bike and/or run.

TRI 5 - Moderate leg impairment including below knee amputees. Athletes ride bicycles and run with prosthesis.

TRI 6 - Visual Impairment, legally Blind (20/200 vision with best corrective vision). A handler of the same sex is mandatory throughout the race. Athletes are tethered during the swim. Athletes use a tandem bicycle and must be tethered during the run. Athletes shall use approved “black out glasses” during the entire run portion.

WHAT: Domestic races are held over the Tri-a-Tri (250m swim, 6km cycle, 3km run) or Sprint Distance (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) while International races are held over the Sprint Distance.

WHERE: Triathlon Ireland is planning to hold a National Paratriathlon event at the end of June 2012. Please register your interest at media@triathlonireland.com. Many race directors will also accommodate paratriathletes where possible. For International events see  www.triathlon.org.

WHY: Paratriathlon is unique in that it fully integrates athletes with physical and visual impairments alongside their able bodied counterparts at the same event.

QUALIFICATION: To qualify to compete at the ITU World Paratriathlon Championships please contact your National Federation. As a guideline, athletes should be able to complete a Sprint distance triathlon in under 2 hours.

CLASSIFICATION: A Paratriathlete must be classified by an ITU International Classification Panel prior to an ITU International Paratriathlon to determine eligibility for competition and to allocate a competition class. Classification will ensure the competition is fair and equitable.

If you are interested in competing in a 2012 National Paratriathlon or competing for Ireland please register your interest at media@triathlonireland.com.