Paratriathlon

A separate category is available for Paratriathlon Athletes (formerly called Athletes With a Disability or AWAD) in accordance with TriBC rules.  Due to the nature of our course, we cannot accommodate all categories of disability.  If you wish to enter the Squamish Youth Triathlon in the AWAD category, we ask that you first contact the race director.

The following information on Paratriathlon is taken from the Triathlon BC website:

"Triathlon is the only sport where athletes with a disability compete alongside their able-bodied counterparts at a local, national, and international level.  Triathlon BC is proud to offer a Paratriathlon category at all sanctioned races."

Rules & Categories
Triathlon BC uses the same rules and categories as Triathlon Canada and the ITU.

Paratriathlon Competitive Categories shall be established based upon physical disabilities. Medical evidence shall be required as to disability and classification at National and International Events. The six categories are as follows:

TRI 1 - Handcycle: Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Polio, Double Leg Amputee. Must use hand cycle on bike course and racing wheel chair on run.
TRI 2 - Severe leg impairment including above knee amputees. Athlete must ride bicycle and run with above knee prosthesis (or similar prosthesis) or run using crutches.
TRI 3 - Les Autre: 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 - Slight leg impairment including below knee amputees. Athlete rides bicycle and runs 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. Athlete is tethered during the swim. Athlete uses a tandem bicycle and may be tethered during the run.

The Squamish Youth Triathlon swim, bike, and run courses are accessible to Paratriathlon athletes in all categories except that TRI 1 category athletes will not be able to use racing wheelchairs on the run course which is soft grass.

For more information on Paratriathlon, check out the TriathlonBC website.