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 so you’re all set for Superhero Tri! If we’ve missed anything, please drop us a line: hello@superheroseries.co.uk.
The questions you may be too afraid to ask!
Should I wear underwear?
What you have on under your wetsuit is what you’ll be wearing for your bike and push/run stages, so the priority is to wear whatever feels most comfortable – remembering everyone will see it! 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 a race number?
Every solo participant will receive one and it will most likely be pinned to the outfit you plan to wear for the bike and push/run stage, i.e. whatever is under your wetsuit. If you are in a team, only those doing the bike and push/run stages need to wear a race number. The swimmer doesn’t need one if they are only doing this stage.
Where and how do I put on my race numbers?
We’ll give you one race number with safety pins to wear wherever’s visible – chest, back or perhaps vehicle. Some participants may choose to bring their own race belt to secure their numbers in place. This is fine as long as your number is clearly visible. Our current plan is to give all these out at registration on the day. If this changes we’ll let you know.
What is a chip timer and what do I do with it?
These clever little gadgets are worn for the duration of your challenge to record your race time so you know what to beat next year! We’re still finalising details, but most likely it will be something you’ll strap around your ankle, wrist or, perhaps on your super gadget or gismo – wherever is most comfortable for you. If you’re in a relay team, you’ll need to pass it on to the next teammate in the transition area when you’ve finished your stage. Please don’t forget to leave the timers in the dedicated baskets when you cross the finish line.
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 redirect you if you go of course and help anyone who needs it. (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 and medal?
Absolutely. Anyone who steps up to the challenge and tries their best will be justly applauded and rewarded.
Will there be disabled toilets and will any of them have hoists?
Yes, there will be plenty of disabled access toilets and three Mobiloo toilets with hoists and changing areas.
Our Superhero Series terminology
Superhero: Put simply, a ‘Superhero’ is someone who considers themselves to have any type of disability who signs up to take on one of our epic challenges. We salute you.
Sidekick: A ‘Sidekick’ can take many forms, but in its most general sense it refers to anyone who is on hand to assist our Superheroes and give them the best day possible. There are two main types of Sidekick: 1. Family and friends uniting with Superheroes to take on a team relay stage, or guide, propel or simply accompany them for one or more stages of a challenge; 2. Our fantastic and indispensable legion of Sidekick volunteers (please do join them!).
Disability: When we talk about people with disabilities, we mean anyone who considers themselves to have any kind of physical, sensory, intellectual or invisible disability, or anyone with a long-term illness or injury. But don’t worry, no one will be asking for proof or details.
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 and a half before your start time to give you plenty of time to unload kit, park up and head over to Mission HQ. Check out our Super Start Times to see when you need to arrive by.
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' where you’re welcome to drop any Superhero passengers to save them an unnecessary journey and/or equipment behind Mission HQ while you head off to park. Willing Sidekick volunteers will be on hand to help you unload and load your car should you want any assistance.
What is the transition area?
This is where you store all your kit needed for each stage during your challenge and where you’ll start from and come back to between every stage to get ready for the next. 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 and storage area for equipment. (Unlike standard transition areas, there won’t be any high bike racks and you’ll be given plenty of space.) If you need help in transition to, for example, to take off your wetsuit or transfer to your vehicle, there will be Sidekick volunteers on hand to assist you and you’re also welcome to bring your own Sidekick friend or family member to assist you. Just make sure you add anyone you are bringing to assist you in transition as part of your team when you register or they will not be allowed into the transition area. Top 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.”
Equipment and safety
What equipment do I need?
Our ethos is ‘anything goes’ and we’ll do our best to allow any equipment you might need on the course. Check out our equipment page for more details. There are just a few essentials you’ll need to ensure you have as much fun as possible:
Swim stage – Wetsuits are compulsory for anyone and everyone entering the water – Superhero and Sidekick. 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 and enter the water. If you are being towed on the water for the whole stage (in a canoe/dinghy etc.) and won’t be entering the water, you do not need to wear a wetsuit. However, you will be given a life jacket to wear on the day.
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 team.)
Push/run stage – Cycle helmets must be worn by anyone who is self-propelling or being pushed. (If there is a reason why you might not be able to wear a helmet, please contact the Superhero team.)
Should I bring a towel?
Yes, do bring a towel if you are doing the swim stage. We recommend the quick-dry ones. Top 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 and push/run courses and 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 wetsuit shorts and sleeveless wetsuits.
I do not have a vehicle for the bike section. Can I hire one?
Our fantastic bike partner Quest 88 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 (and of course enjoyment) is our absolutely priority and we will have medical services on site all day to provide medical cover, alongside our 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 and an expert water safety team on land and in paddle boats to ensure you enter and exit the water safely and to carry/assist you to the transition area if needed. Our paddle boat team are an extremely friendly bunch and will direct, encourage and 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 and 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, depending on their chosen distance, before returning to the transition area. The course will be clearly signposted and 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 and will be clearly sign-posted and have super Sidekicks at regular points to encourage and assist.
The nuts and bolts
What is a triathlon?
It’s a three-stage race consisting of a swim, a bike and a final push/run stage. Here at Superhero Tri you can choose if you want to do a whole triathlon or team up and share the work and the fun in a team.
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 on the booking pages. The minimum age for Superheroes being pulled/pushed is 2+. Please note, we recommend that anyone under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult on the course.
Who is Superhero Tri for?
Everyone, from seasoned athletes to complete beginners. Our events are designed for every fitness level and 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 hope is that everyone has lots of fun.
Can I bring a Sidekick to assist me in the transition area?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a family member or friend to assist you in transition. You just need to make sure that you register them as a member of the team when you sign up or they won’t be allowed in transition. Everyone you sign up as part of the team, whether they are participating or assisting in transition, will receive a medal, T-shirt and Super Kit Bag!
Can I visit Dorney Lake to have a look around before race day?
Definitely. 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, there may be parking charges if you visit on a non-Superhero Series event day.
Are spectators welcome?
Absolutely. Come along and cheer our Superheroes over the line! There is no entry fee for spectators and there will be all kinds of fun and entertainment for all ages in the Superhero Village, so bring the whole family along!
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 and 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 Sidekicks be at least 16 years or over unless they are accompanied by an adult. Please head to our Sidekick page to volunteer.
