Sixty-four children and adults with disabilities took part in this year’s Reason To Disability Triathlon at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham, making it the largest event in the competition’s 12-year history.
The participants ranged in age from six to 74 and completed the three disciplines of a traditional triathlon: swimming, running and cycling. They were supported throughout by specially adapted equipment and assistance designed around the different needs of the entrants.
The event was held at Wentworth Leisure Centre on Wentworth Place. It brought together competitors with a wide variety of disabilities, including people who have taken part over several years and others completing the triathlon for the first time.
Danny Adams and Paralympian join competitors
Among those attending was Danny Adams, the performer and star of CBBC’s Danny & Mick. Adams is described as a long-time supporter of the event and joined in with the day’s fancy-dress atmosphere. Photographs from the event show him wearing a pig outfit and starting the triathlon.
Paralympian Lyndon Longhorne also attended. Longhorne, who is from Crook, is described as the first quad amputee to complete an Ironman-distance event. Images from the day show him taking part while wearing a blue wig.
The photographs captured competitors, guests and supporters during the activities, including Adams and Longhorne alongside the triathletes. The event’s organisers said the combination of adapted equipment, support and encouragement allowed participants to take part in a conventional triathlon while pushing themselves at their own levels.
Event has grown from a handful of entrants
The Reason To Disability Triathlon was sponsored by SOS Group and organised by triathletes Jo Shallcross and Tracey Sample. The organisers describe it as the first event of its kind in the UK.
Shallcross was inspired to create the event after seeing a child with disabilities enjoying a triathlon in Hawaii. That experience led her to develop a competition that could be tailored to the individual needs of its entrants, rather than requiring everyone to compete in the same way.
The event began with only a handful of entrants but has continued to grow in popularity. Some of the children who took part in earlier years are now adults, reflecting the longer-term involvement of participants as the triathlon has developed.
After a successful trial run, Shallcross and Sample opened the Reason To Triathlon to older entrants three years ago. That expansion means the event now includes both children and adults, with this year’s participants covering a 68-year age range.
Organiser praises welcome for first-timers
Shallcross said the day was an opportunity for participants to experience a traditional triathlon and challenge themselves, while also being supported by other competitors. She praised both those who had returned to the event and those taking part for the first time.
It’s been another marvellous day and we’re so proud of everyone involved. This is an opportunity for the participants to take part in a traditional triathlon and to really push themselves. Some of the triathletes have been part of this event for years and some are first timers, but everyone welcomes and supports each other regardless. There’s no better day of the year for me and Tracey. The smiles are endless!
The supplied report was published on September 20, 2026. It does not give a separate date for the triathlon, individual race results or details of when the next event will be held.