There’s no question too small (or silly)
We know that many of you will be new to all this, so we’ve tried our best to answer any questions you may have & will be updating this info on a regular basis. The below info is to help prepare you for our next event, Superhero Tri in August. If we’ve missed anything, please do drop us a line: hello@superheroseries.co.uk.
The questions you may be too afraid to ask!
If I’m doing the swim & other Tri stages, should I wear underwear?
What you have on under your wetsuit is what you’ll be wearing for your bike & push/run stages, so the priority is to wear whatever feels most comfortable – remembering everyone will see it when you change in transition! For example, you might choose cycling shorts with a running vest – with or without pants! There’s no right or wrong. If you’re only doing the swim stage, we’d recommend wearing just a swimsuit or trunks under your wetsuit for maximum comfort, but again please remember you will most likely remove your wetsuit in the transition area so choose whatever you feel comfortable wearing in public. (For those planning on making triathlons a regular hobby, look into treating yourself to a ‘triathlon suit’.)
Who wears race numbers & where do they go?
Every solo participant will receive one & it will most likely be pinned to the outfit you plan to wear for the bike & push/run stage, i.e. whatever is under your wetsuit. If you are in a relay team, only the teammate/s doing the bike & push/run stages need/s to wear a race number. The swimmer doesn’t need one. We’ll give you one race number with safety pins to wear wherever’s visible – chest, back or perhaps vehicle. Our current plan is to give all these out at registration on the day. If this changes we’ll let you know.
How will I find my way in the water?
We’ll have brightly coloured buoys marking the route. We’ll also have a big swim safety team in paddle boats at the ready to help anyone who needs it. They will redirect you if you go off course. (Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal to swim a little off course. We’ll make sure you don’t go too far!)
If I don’t complete my stage/challenge, will I still get a Super Kit Bag, T-shirt & medal?
Absolutely. Anyone who steps up to the challenge & tries their best will be justly applauded & rewarded.
Will there be disabled toilets & will any of them have hoists?
Yes, there will be plenty of disabled access toilets & one Mobiloo toilets with hoists & changing areas.
Our Superhero Series powered by Marvel terminology
Superhero: Put simply, a ‘Superhero’ is someone who considers themselves to have a disability of any kind who signs up to take on one of our epic challenges. We salute you.
Sidekick: In its most general sense, a Sidekick refers to anyone who is on hand to support our Superheroes & give them the best day possible. We have two official Sidekick roles: 1. Anyone who is uniting with a Superhero as part of their super team! Sidekick teammates are there for whatever’s needed: they can take on a relay stage; tow, push or accompany their Superhero around one or more stages; &/or assist them in transition. 2. Our fantastic & indispensable legion of super Sidekick volunteers. (Please join them!)
Disability: When we talk about people with disabilities, we mean anyone who considers themselves to have any kind of physical, sensory, intellectual, invisible or behavioural disability, or anyone with a long-term illness or injury. But don’t worry, no one will be asking for proof or details & no classifications are needed.
On the day
How long should I arrive before my challenge starts?
We ask everyone to register an hour before their challenge begins, so we recommend arriving at least an hour & a half before your start time to give you plenty of time to unload kit, park up & head over to registration. Keep an eye out for our Super Start Times, which will be listed on our website leading up to the event date.
Where do I need to go when I arrive?
Head straight to Marvel Mission HQ to register. There’ll be clear signs marking the way.
Will there be drop-off areas for my kit?
Yes, we’ll have a 'drop zone' near Mission HQ where you’re welcome to drop off any equipment &/or Superhero passengers to save them an unnecessary journey before you head off to park. Willing Kit Drop Sidekick volunteers will be on hand to help you unload & load your car should you need any assistance.
What is the transition area?
This is where you store all your kit needed for the different stages & where you’ll start from & come back to to get ready for the next stage. If you are in a relay team, this is where you’ll hand over to your teammate. Each Superhero/team will be given their own dedicated space with a chair & storage area for equipment. (Unlike able-bodied transitions there won’t be any high bike racks & you’ll be given plenty of space.) If you need help in transition to, for example, take off your wetsuit or transfer to your vehicle, you’re welcome to bring a Sidekick to help you. Just be sure to register them as part of your team to allow them entry to transition & they too will receive a medal, T-shirt & Super Kit Bag for their super support.
Top transition tip from our Superhero founder Sophia: “Bring a good-sized plastic box for all your little bits & bobs, such as gloves, goggles, helmet, drinks, power snacks, etc., so you know where everything is & can grab what you need quickly & get moving.”
Equipment & safety
What equipment do I need?
Our ethos is ‘anything goes’ & we’ll do our best to allow any equipment you might need on the course. Check out our Super Kit page for more details. However, there are a few items that are essential:
Swim stage – Wetsuits are compulsory for anyone & everyone entering the water (Superhero or Sidekick). Full length, or short-sleeved/legged versions are permitted. These are for your safety as they act as a buoyancy aid & are required by the swim safety team. If you do not think it’s possible to wear one, please do get in touch with us & we will do our best to work out an alternative solution. You will also need to wear a colour-coded swim hat, which will be provided at registration. This is to signal to the swim safety team the assistance you need, if any, to exit & enter the water. If you are being towed in a vessel for the whole swim stage & don’t plan to enter the water at any point, you do not need to wear a wetsuit, but you will need to bring your own well-fitted life jacket/buoyancy aid to wear.
Bike stage – Your chosen vehicle will need to be in a roadworthy condition, with any brakes in good working order. Cycle helmets must be worn by everyone. (If there is a reason why you might not be able to wear a helmet, please contact the Superhero Tri powered by MARVEL team.)
Push/run stage – We also strongly recommend that cycle helmets be worn by anyone self-propelling or being pushed at speed.
Should I bring a towel?
Yes, do bring a towel if you are doing the swim stage. We recommend the quick-dry ones.
Top towel tip from our Superhero founder Sophia: “If, like me, you’re a little unsteady on your feet, bring two towels – one to sit on while you take off your wetsuit (we provide a chair for participants but it can feel safer on the floor) and the other to dry yourself.”
Will there be water provided on the course?
Yes, there will be regular stations along the bike & push/run courses & in transition to keep you hydrated.
I do not have a wetsuit. Can I hire one?
Yes, there are a number of organisations that offer to hire or sell wetsuits for very reasonable prices. If a full wetsuit isn’t suitable there are alternative options, such as wetsuits with shorts & sleeveless wetsuits. We’re working with Tri Wetsuit Hire & you can hire one through them in advance here & pick it up on the day.
I do not have a vehicle for the bike section. Can I hire one?
Our fantastic bike partner Get Cycling has all kinds of fun, adapted cycles available to hire. We strongly recommend you contact them in advance if you'd like to hire a bike as they're very popular!
Will there be emergency services on site?
Absolutely, your safety & enjoyment is our top priority & we will have medical services on site all day to provide medical cover, alongside an expert swim safety team.
The course
Swim stage: This will take place in the calm, clean waters of Dorney Lake. There will be buoys clearly marking the course & an expert water safety team on land & in paddle boats to ensure you enter & exit the water safely & to carry/assist you to the transition area if needed. Our paddle boat team are an extremely friendly bunch & will direct, encourage & even travel alongside you and chat if you feel you want a bit of company in the water. They are there to make your experience as fun & stress-free as possible.
Bike stage: The courses follow largely flat routes on private, traffic-free tarmacked pathways/roads. Cyclists will complete various laps of the cycle course before returning to the transition area. The course will be clearly signposted & our Super Sidekick volunteers will be stationed along the way to encourage, direct, answer questions or assist in any way needed.
Push/run stage: Again, the course is on flat, tarmacked pathways that are closed to traffic, will be clearly sign-posted & will have Super Sidekicks at regular points to encourage & assist.
The nuts & bolts
What is a triathlon?
It’s a three-stage race consisting of a swim, usually in open water, a bike stage & a final push/run stage. Here at Superhero Tri you can choose if you want to do a whole triathlon or team up & do one stage each as a relay.
Who can enter Superhero Tri?
That depends on the race. Participants entering our solo events must consider themselves to have a disability. Anyone can enter our team events, as long as least one member of the team considers themselves to have a disability. Please see the below for our recommended minimum ages.
Do I need a classification?
No, you do not need a classification for any of our events.
What age do you have to be to enter the events?
Please see a list of recommended ages below. The minimum age for children being pulled/pushed for the bike & push/run stages is 2+. Please note, anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult for the Sprint & Half distances, & under the age of 15 for the Full distance.
Recommended for solo events:
- Sprint Superhero Tri & Superhero Charge: 5+
- Half Superhero Tri: 12+
- Full Superhero Tri: 15+
Recommended for team events:
- Sprint Superhero Tri: 5+
- Half Superhero Tri: swim 9+; bike 9+; push/run 9+
- Full Superhero Tri: swim 9+; bike 9+; push/run 9+
What are the challenge distances?
Sprint Superhero/Sidekick Tri: swim 150m; bike 3km; push/run 1km
Half Superhero/Sidekick Tri: swim 400m; bike 10km; push/run 2.5km
Full Superhero/Sidekick Tri: swim 750m; bike 20km; push/run 5km
Superhero Charge: 3km cycle/run/walk/push
Who is Superhero Tri aimed at?
Everyone, from seasoned athletes to complete beginners. Our events are designed for every fitness level & ability so if you have never done anything like this before, don’t worry, you won’t be alone.
Is this a competitive event?
That is entirely up to you, but our main aim is that everyone has loads of fun. Why not make a note of your time & see if you can come back & beat it next year!
Can I bring a Sidekick to assist me around the course or in the transition areas?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a Sidekick to assist you in transition, &/or guide, push or simply accompany you for one or more stages. You will just need to make sure you register them as part of your team when you sign up so that they can enter the course & transition on the day. In return for their super support, they will also get a medal, T-shirt & Super Kit Bag!
Can I visit Dorney Lake to have a look around before race day?
Yes. The 450 acres of privately owned parkland is open to everyone almost all the year round. We’ve noticed on social media that lots of Superheroes have already been along to check it out! (Please note, although parking will be free of charge on our event day, visitor parking fees normally apply.)
Are spectators welcome?
Absolutely. Come along & cheer our Superheroes over the line! There is no entry fee for spectators & there will be all kinds of fun & entertainment in the Superhero Village, so bring the whole family along!
Are dogs allowed?
Assistance dogs are super welcome on the course & spectators can bring dog family members along too! Please keep dogs on a lead & be considerate of any Superheroes who may be a little unsure around our four-legged friends (& don't forget to bring poo bags to clear up any mess!).
Do I have to pay for parking?
No. Parking will be free for everyone on the day. If you are planning on driving to the event, we ask that you car-share with other participants & spectators whenever possible to do your bit for the environment. Please take a look at our venue page for public transport access to the event.
What age do I need to be to join the volunteer team?
We ask that all our Sidekick volunteers be at least 16 years or over on the event day, unless accompanied by an adult. Please head to our Sidekick page to volunteer.
