Return of the superheroes: Super Tri comes back to Dorney Lake

Dorney Lake is gearing up to welcome thousands of caped crusaders in August as the Superhero Tri - powered by Marvel - returns for another blockbuster showdown.

Now in its eighth year, the UK’s only mass-participation sports event designed specifically for people with disabilities is calling on all Everyday Superheroes to suit up and take on the challenge.

Featuring valiant push-runs, spirited swims and blazing bike rides, participants can choose from three epic routes: the Sprint (150m swim, 3km bike, 1km push/run), Half (400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km push/run) or Full (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km push/run).

Whether flying solo or forming a team of trusty sidekicks, anything goes when it comes to gadgets, gizmos and gear – from surfboard-mounted wheelchairs to custom trikes.

In true superhero style, costumes are encouraged. Expect capes, masks, and four-legged friends dressed to unleash their inner Iron Man, Captain Marvel or Hulk.

Thirty teams will compete under the command of a disability athlete or advocate, with familiar faces like Alex Brooker, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and Briony May Williams returning to the fray.

This year’s line-up features an all-star squad of sporting legends fresh from the Paris Paralympics, including table tennis champ Will Bayley, rowing powerhouse Laura Sugar and cycling star James Ball.

Meanwhile, new celebrity recruits – including champion swimmers Maisie Summers-Newton and Callie-Ann Warrington, and paratriathlon ace Dave Ellis – will don their capes and lead their own league of heroes for the first time.

They’ll be joined by more than 5,000 Everyday Superheroes dashing, splashing and wheeling for glory, perhaps with a little help from their trusty sidekicks.

As ever, TV’s own superhero Clare Balding will return to award Golden Capes to seven standout participants who embody determination, community spirit, or super-powered fundraising.

Meanwhile, Spider-Man and Thor themselves will be swinging by to host Marvel Avengers Training sessions, helping younger heroes channel their powers of strength, agility and courage.

Founder Sophia Warner – a Paralympian herself – first launched the event in 2016 to create an inclusive space where every kind of hero can cross the finish line, in their own time, their way.

She said: “The Superhero Tri removes all barriers to participation and gives everyone with a disability the thrill of a mass-participation sports event.

“Competing alongside their families and friends, the community spirit shines through as people come together to cover the course.

“We have families returning year after year to feel the excitement of the day and enjoy being the centre of attention as they show off their amazing sports skills and superhero outfits.”

“Our celebrity team captains bring excitement and inspiration to the day – this year we have 20 para-athletes who medalled at Paris 2024 joining us.

“Most of them were in the crowd at London 2012 and 12 years on achieved their dream, fulfilling the legacy of the London games.

“Superhero Tri is my legacy for everyday superheroes, who I know will be inspired by seeing their Paralympian heroes in action.”

Dorney Lake’s Superhero Tri (powered by Marvel) is set for Saturday, August 16.

Ready to join the mission? Assemble your squad – or be a lone warrior – and sign up at: superheroseries.co.uk/superhero-tri-2025

The only rule: at least one member of each team, or solo participants, must consider themselves to have a disability. Beyond that, anything is possible.