A record 5,000 Everyday Superheroes and their Sidekicks streamed across the start line of Superhero Tri, powered by Marvel, on Saturday 15 August 2026 – a milestone moment for disability sport in the UK. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event continues to prove what’s possible when barriers are removed.
Bringing together people with disabilities provides a fun and fair platform for them to enjoy the thrill of mass‑participation sport and through support from The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland, Superhero Tri has spent the past 10 years championing one simple belief: when given the opportunity, Everyday Superheroes will come.
Through Disney’s long-standing support, Marvel storytelling brings extra energy, joy and celebration to the day, helping participants unleash their inner superhero through costumes, community and memorable moments. Supporting Superhero Tri is part of Disney’s commitment to strengthening communities by creating opportunities that bring people together and help everyone feel seen, valued and included.
Alongside the long-standing support of the event, this year’s Marvel Superhero Training Academy invited participants and families to take on interactive challenges, celebrate their own superpowers and enjoy memorable moments inspired by Marvel storytelling. Together with Disney VoluntEARS, the activation helped create a fun and welcoming space that championed confidence, connection and community spirit throughout the day.
Deborah Armstrong, Country Manager UK & Ireland at The Walt Disney Company EMEA says: “We are proud to continue championing the Superhero Tri, powered by Marvel, during its 10th year, cheering on countless Everyday Superheroes and celebrating every unique story and incredible achievement they represent.” “When people see themselves reflected in sport, confidence grows and new possibilities open. Once again, it was a joy to see people in costumes and capes making some amazing memories!”
Built Exclusively for Everyday Superheroes
Over the last decade, more than 70,000 missions have been completed across the Superhero Series’ four annual events, each designed exclusively for people of all ages who consider themselves to have any kind of disability, aka ‘Everyday Superheroes’.
Founded by British Paralympian Sophia Warner, Superhero Tri shows exactly what grassroots disability sport can look like when all barriers are removed. Importantly, it is not simply an “inclusive” event. Instead, it’s built entirely and unapologetically around disabled participants. With no cut‑off times, no equipment restrictions and an anything‑goes ethos, people complete their mission in whatever way works for them. Families and friends join as helpful Sidekicks, while Paralympians and celebrity supporters cheer them on.
Participants chose from three Superhero Tri missions:
- Sprint: 150m swim, 3km bike, 1km push/run
- Half: 400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km push/run
- Full: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km push/run
“When it comes to mass-participation disability sport, inclusion in mainstream events isn’t the answer,” explains Sophia Warner, founder of the Superhero Series. “The Paralympics clearly demonstrate the need for a platform where people with disabilities compete alongside each other. Lack of confidence can be a huge barrier to participation, but when people see everyone is like them, they feel physically and psychologically safe. That’s what the Superhero Series events provide and that’s what makes us unique.”
“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year with our biggest turnout yet, it demonstrates clearly that, when given the opportunity, Everyday Superheroes will come.”
Community Spirit
The Superhero Series community is one of the most vibrant and empowering in UK disability sport. Children have grown up with the event and families return year after year while Paralympians and disability ambassadors bring fresh inspiration.
Standing trackside at the 2016 Rio Paralympics when Sophia first shared her idea for a mass participation disability sports event, TV presenter and sports commentator Clare Balding CBE pledged to support her plans. True to her word, Clare has been at every Superhero Tri event reporting on its impact, cheering on participants and handing out the coveted Golden Cape honours to people who have shown courage or advocacy of others.
TV and Sports Presenter Clare Balding, CBE says: “Superhero Tri is truly powerful and the only event of its kind.” “I love how everyone dresses up and gives it their all. I’ve seen children grow up with the event and meet families who get together each summer here. Best of all, I’ve seen individuals going from strength to strength, achieving more each time they return. The community is extraordinary and I wouldn’t be anywhere else on Superhero Tri weekend!”
The Need for Disability Sport is Growing
The latest Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey (2025–26) highlights the gap between organisations claiming to be ’inclusive’ and the lived experience of disabled people. Many still face substantial barriers to participation and are calling for truly accessible facilities, adapted activities and clearer information. The figures speak for themselves:
- 16 million people in the UK have a disability
- 76% want to be more active, yet only 43% can find an opportunity
- Closing the inactivity gap could unlock £10.9 billion in social value
Mission POSSIBLE
As Superhero Tri celebrates its 10-year milestone, the mission to provide a 100% accessible, inclusive, fun and supersized sporting celebration remains as powerful as ever.
The next opportunity for Everyday Superheroes is the fabulously festive Winter Wonderwheels which returns to Dorney Lake on December 6. Sign up and save the day – www.superheroseries.co.uk
About Superhero Series
The Superhero Series is one of the UK’s only disability sports series for Everyday Superheroes. Founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner in 2016, Superhero Series was born out of a lack of sporting events for the Everyday Superhero. We aim to hold bold, fun and inclusive sporting challenges, while also creating a SUPER community for our Superheroes & Sidekicks.
Everyone is welcome to participate, with the only requirement being that a solo entrant or at least one team member considers themselves to have a disability, whether physical, intellectual, sensory or invisible. There’s no need for any specific classifications.