The British Royal Marines plan to host their first Rehabilitation Triathlon at Norton Manor camp, Taunton, Somerset, on Thursday 25 April – inspired by Sergeant Ryan Morris from 40 Commando Royal Marines and backed by the Markel Castle Triathlon Series.
Over 80 injured servicemen and women will compete in an adapted sprint triathlon that will see them swimming (400m), cycling (20K) and completing an indoor row (5K). Expanding UK triathlon series, the Markel Castle Triathlon Series, is backing the event with a view to tailoring its UK event courses for competitors with disabilities whilst working in conjunction with the military charity, BattleBack.
Battle Back was launched in 2008. It is not a charity – it is a UK Military of Defence (MOD) initiative based at Headley Court near Epsom. It exists to ensure the seriously injured have access to the same opportunities in sport and adventurous training that are currently available to the able bodied.
This week’s Rehabilitation Triathlon is a pilot for a larger initiative planned for 2014. Sergeant Ryan Morris is the Race Director. “Having worked in the area of rehabilitation for some years now I regularly see servicemen and women feeling demotivated as they are downgraded from their central roles in the unit.
“They thrive on being part of the team, having back the normality that sport participation can provide and enjoying the competitive nature of a new challenge. We have big plans to work with wider groups of Royal Marines and injured servicemen and women across the UK and look forward to trialling the event.”
Brian Adcock, the Markel Castle Triathlon Series Race Director explained his involvement. “One of our ambitions is to offer a race suitable and tailored for everyone. With such stunning settings, and an awesome sport, it only seems right that [the Markel Castle Triathlon Series] and its venues can be enjoyed by all.”
Adcock continued, “The 2012 Paralympics was a huge inspiration and the news that the Paralympics in Rio will include triathlon for the first time in history is a huge coup. The BattleBack Paratriathlon team launched in 2012 with the aim of staging more races and opportunities for injured servicemen and women. The team at BattleBack Paratriathlon will be working with us to tailor our UK events for paratriathlete accessibility.”
For further information about the Royal Marines Rehabilitation Triathlon contact Sergeant Ryan Morris on +44 (0)7738 274969.
The Markel Castle Triathlon Series is increasingly well known for beautiful venues and scenic grounds, held at iconic castles across Europe, promising a high quality event and race for all levels, from first-timers and children, to elite performers.
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
