Gold medal winner Andy Lewis MBE is challenging fundraisers to get a taste of life as a triathlete by taking part in Barnardo’s iTRI virtual triathlon.
iTRI, which is free to enter, sees fundraisers swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles over the course of March while raising money for vulnerable children and young people.
Participants have the freedom to complete the set distances in their own time and at their own pace from anywhere in the UK.
The entire distance can be completed in one go or can be spread out over the month of March.
Andy, who had his right leg amputated at the knee aged 22 following a motorbike accident, won Gold in the men’s PT2 para-triathlon in Rio in 2016.
He is now a mentor and is encouraging people to take part in iTRI as a way to boost their health and mental well-being and have fun at the same time.
Andy said: “Taking part in a triathlon gives you the chance to take on not just one sport but three. It means you never get bored during training because you can always switch to a different sport.
“Completing iTRI is a great goal to aim for at the start of the year; it will help your fitness, give you a challenge you can complete with your friends and family and you can raise money for such a worthy cause at the same time.”
Completed miles can be tracked using Strava apps or participants can manually log their workouts via their online profile.
Andy added: “Being able to complete the disciplines at your own pace and in your own time makes the event so flexible and a really good introduction to triathlons. I’d really recommend anyone who is interested to get in touch with Barnardo’s to find out more.”
Everyone who takes part is encouraged to raise as much money as they can for Barnardo’s.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “We’re really grateful to have inspirational paralympian Andy Lewis MBE supporting Barnardo’s iTRI challenge this year. It’s a chance to test your fitness while raising money to help us support vulnerable children across the UK.
“Join Team Barnardo’s this March to run, swim and cycle your way to completing a real challenge.”
Free registration for the iTRI challenge is now open until 15th March. The challenge can be completed at any time between March 1 and March 31, 2020. To sign up, download your fundraising pack or for more information please visit: itri.barnardos.org.uk/2020