Para
Different Abilities. Equal Opportunity. One Finish Line.
An adaptive sprint-distance sport recognised by World Triathlon and featured at the Paralympic Games. Athletes complete a 750m swim, 20km cycle, and 5km run using equipment tailored to their sport class.
What is Para Triathlon?
Para triathlon is an adaptive sprint-distance sport recognised by World Triathlon and featured at the Paralympic Games. Athletes complete a 750m swim, 20km cycle, and 5km run using adapted equipment tailored to their specific sport class.
Who can participate?
Physical impairments
Open to athletes with physical impairments, including mobility, limb deficiency, or muscle-power impairments.
Visual impairments
Athletes with visual impairments compete with a same-gender guide and ride a tandem bicycle.
Classification required
All athletes undergo classification so they compete fairly in designated sport classes.
Sport classes
Para triathletes are grouped into nine sport classes based on their specific impairment.
| Subdivision | Sport classes | Description & adaptations |
|---|---|---|
| PTWC | PTWC1–PTWC2 | Wheelchair athletes: recumbent handcycle on the bike and a racing wheelchair on the run. |
| PTS | PTS2–PTS5 | Standing athletes with varying degrees of physical impairment. Amputee athletes may use approved prostheses or supportive devices on the bike and run. |
| PTVI | PTVI1–PTVI3 | Visually impaired athletes, from totally blind (PTVI1) to partially sighted (PTVI2 / PTVI3). Compete with a same-gender guide and ride a tandem bicycle. |
Race format & equipment adaptations
Handcycles & racing wheelchairs
Used by PTWC athletes in transition and on the course.
Tandem bicycles & tethers
Mandatory for PTVI athletes throughout the swim, bike, and run.
Personal handlers
Permitted to assist PTWC athletes in transition with equipment and transfers.
Adapted prosthetics
Custom sockets and running blades evaluated under World Triathlon rules.
Classification pathway
- 1
Application
Submit a classification application to ITF.
- 2
Medical diagnostics
Provide the required medical diagnostic information.
- 3
Evaluation
National evaluation for domestic racing; international evaluation for World Triathlon and Paralympic competition.
- 4
Sport class assignment
Receive a sport class and status.
- 5
Competition
Race in the assigned class at sanctioned events.
Competition progression
- 01
First local race
- 02
State
- 03
ITF Para Nationals
- 04
Asia Triathlon
- 05
World Para Series / Cups
- 06
Paralympic Games
Rankings & opportunities
ITF
National Para ranking and selection opportunities.
Asia Triathlon
Continental cups, championships, and regional exposure.
World Para
World Para Series, World Cups, and the Paralympic pathway.
Resources
Classification forms
Start classification and review sport-class guidance on the ITF Para page.
Equipment guidelines
Handcycles, tandems, handlers, and prosthetics must follow World Triathlon rules.
Anti-doping
Para athletes follow the same anti-doping framework as all ITF competitors.
Safeguarding
Medical, safety, and safeguarding resources for athletes, guides, and handlers.
Join the Para pathway
Sign in to your Para athlete account, or create one for this pathway.
Active Para athletes
Registered triathletes in this category. Inactive and deleted legacy records are excluded using the same rule as athlete import.
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