About Paratriathlon
Paratriathlon is a category of triathlon (swim, bike, run) for athletes with a physical disability. Athletes may use assistive devices to accommodate different types of impairments such as handcycles, tandems bicycles, racing wheelchairs and prosthetics. Paratriathlon provides an inclusive and competitive race environment for athletes to showcase their endurance, strength, adaptability and talents.
The sport debuted on the international scene at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games where Ontario’s Christine Robbines and guide Sasha Beck achieved a top 10 performance. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Ontario’s Jessica Tuomela and her guide achieved a top 5 performance.
Triathlon Canada’s National program continues to build and grow with our national team athletes being among the top medal winners in the World; Stefan Daniels (PTS5), Leanne Taylor (PTWC), Kamylle Frenette (PTS5). They will all be competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Provincial Programming
The primary objectives of Triathlon Ontario’s para program is to introduce more Ontario athletes with a physical impairment to triathlon; and develop more Ontario medal winners at the national and international level.
Triathlon Ontario will be offering numerous opportunities for both recreational and competitive para triathletes and coaches by way of clinics, camps, and a club training atmosphere.
Upcoming Training Days
Upcoming Events:
April 12, 2025 – Tri It Indoor Training Day (TORONTO, ON)
The Training Days are open to all para-athletes, whether a seasoned athlete or just starting out. Both Training Days are paired with the Triathlon Ontario’s Indoor Triathlons on Saturday, April 12th (3-5PM) also at the Sports Centre. These sessions are designed to refine skills in each discipline, improve overall fitness level and learn mental performance skills from the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario.
Registration and additional information.
Schedule
- 11am Arrival
- 11:30-12:30PM Swim
- 1:00-2:00PM Indoor Bike
- 2:30-3:30PM CSIO Mental Skills Workshop
- OR 3-5PM Indoor Triathlon
The events are free, but participants must be 2025 Triathlon Ontario members. Please contact coach Sasha Beck at sashaboulton1@gmail.com, for inquiries or more information.
May 3, 2025 – Tri It Indoor Training Day (TORONTO, ON)
The Training Days are open to all para-athletes, whether a seasoned athlete or just starting out. Both Training Days are paired with the Triathlon Ontario’s Indoor Triathlons on Sunday, May 4th (2-4PPM), also at the Sports Centre. These sessions are designed to refine skills in each discipline, improve overall fitness level and learn mental performance skills from the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario.
Registration and additional information.
Schedule
- 11am Arrival
- 11:30-12:30PM Swim
- 1:00-2:00PM Indoor Bike
- 2:30-3:30PM CSIO Mental Skills Workshop
- Optional group dinner
NOTE: Sunday May 4 from 2-4PM is the Indoor Triathlon
The events are free, but participants must be 2025 Triathlon Ontario members. Please contact coach Sasha Beck at sashaboulton1@gmail.com, for inquiries or more information.
July 14-19, 2025 – Montreal National Development Camp (MONTREAL, ON)
Past Training Days
Past Events
March 2024 Tri-It Day (TORONTO, ON)
Club Paratriathlon Ontario hosted a Tri-It Day within Triathlon Ontario’s provincial program and in partnership with the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO). Athletes in Ontario were able to come out to Toronto to connect with each other, learn about paratriathlon and refine technical skills in swimming and biking.
August 2024 Training Day (MILLGROVE, ON)
Club Paratriathlon Ontario hosted a Training Day within Triathlon Ontario’s provincial program. Athletes came out to Gulliver’s Lake in Millgrove to practice open water swimming and road cycling.
Clubs
If you are interested in joining Ontario’s only sanctioned Para Triathlon club “Paratriathlon Ontario”, contact coach Sasha Beck (Boulton) at sashaboulton1@gmail.com. Paratriathlon Ontario is an inclusive club that empowers and creates community with para-athletes across the province. The club offers personalized coaching and comprehensive support which includes equipment procurement assistance and connections with local training facilities.
Races
There are many multisport race types you can choose from in Ontario.
Indoor triathlon (swim, bike, run) – 15min swim, 15min bike, 15min run
Aquathon (run, swim, run) – 2.5km run, 1km swim, 2.5km run
Aquabike (swim, bike) – 1500m swim, 50km bike
Duathlon (run, bike, run) – 5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run
Triathlon
- Ages 6 to 7 – 50m Swim – 1.25km Bike – 400m Run
- Ages 8 to 9 – 75m Swim – 2.5km Bike – 750m Run
- Ages 10 to 11 – 100m Swim – 5km Bike – 1.5km Run
- Ages 12 to 13 – 250 Swim – 10km Bike – 3km Run
- Ages 14 to 15 – 500m Swim – 10km Bike – 3km Run
- Ages 16+ – “Sprint” 750m Swim – 20km Bike – 5km Run OR “Olympic” – 1500m Swim – 40km Bike – 5km Run
Local/Provincial Races
There are many race types and race events across Ontario. To find a race close to you in the month of your choice, visit Races – Triathlon Ontario. If you need assistance choosing the right race type, race event or understanding what equipment you need, please reach out to Sasha Beck at sashaboulton1@gmail.com or Jenn Flemke at flemkejenn@gmail.com.
Quick Links
National Races
Triathlon Canada has identified numerous triathlons within each province that are considered Para Designated Races (PDR).
A Para Designated Race (PDR) is a triathlon or multisport event that has been identified as a race that is or can be accessible for most para-athletes. The aim of having a PDR Calendar is to provide more race opportunities for para-athletes across the country to compete in and provide a pathway for beginner and up-and-coming paratriathletes to race domestically.
For the events list, please visit PDR Canada. There are many more races across Canada that are not listed but maybe be suitable for athletes wishing to participate in races in their local community. Please reach out to your local race director to inquire on accessibility and ability to race the event.
To inquire more about paratriathlon at the National and International level, please submit a Para Triathlon Expression Of Interest (EOI) form.
General inquiries can be submitted to: paratriathlon@triathloncanada.com
Equipment
Equipment for Swim, Bike, Run
|
Class |
Description |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
PTWC |
Wheelchair |
Swim |
Handcycle |
Racing Wheelchair |
|
PTVI |
Visual Impairment |
Swim with Guide |
Tandem with Guide |
Run with Guide |
|
PTS2-5* |
Upper Body Impairment |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
PTS2-5* |
Lower Body Impairment |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
Other |
Other** |
Swim |
Tricycle |
Run |
*Athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices
**Currently not recognized as a paratriathlon class for international racing
Equipment Rental
Club Paratriathlon Ontario has an Eastern and Southwest equipment rental/loaner program. Equipment includes tandems, handcycles and racing wheelchairs.
- Eastern Ontario (Ottawa Region), please contact flemkejenn@gmail.com
- Southwestern Ontario (GTA), please contact sashaboulton1@gmail.com
Finding equipment can be challenging and stressful. Paratriathlon Ontario aims to help facilitate grant applications and procurement for equipment to reduce the stress of starting out or advancing within the sport.
Please reach out to Sasha Beck at sashaboulton1@gmail.com or Jenn Flemke at flemkejenn@gmail.com.
Classification
Classification Types
Classification is only required once an athlete has been identified high performance competition. Please refer to Triathlon Canada’s Paratriathlon page here for more information about classification.
|
Provincial Classification |
Not Applicable |
|
National Classification |
Not Applicable* *Potential National Classification for 2025 Open Nationals |
|
International Classification |
Required |
Classification Categories
There are six classes in paratriathlon:
- PTWC – Wheelchair users (PTWC1 & PTWC2)
- PTVI – Total or partial visual impairments (PTVI1, PTVI2, & PTVI3)
- PTS2* – Severe impairments
- PTS3* – Significant impairments
- PTS4* – Moderate impairments
- PTS5* – Mild impairments
Submit an Expression of Interest
The first point of entry for the Para Triathlon program, regardless of pathway, is completion of the Expression of Interest Questionnaire. This form is used to collect basic information to determine the best route forward for any athlete looking to join the sport and is the mechanism for expressing interest.
