Plymouth hosts awe-inspiring military Rehabilitation Triathlon for second year

5th June 2023

Back in Plymouth for 2023, the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler and sponsored by infrastructure consultancy AECOM and The Royal Marines Charity will be taking place on Thursday 22 June from 11am to 5.30pm on Plymouth Hoe, during Armed Forces Week.

Over 200 athletes - Service Personnel on recovery duties and Veterans - will compete in the swim, bike and row events, with visitors and spectators giving support from the side lines. Teams from near and far including representatives from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps will be competing.

This is a prestigious event for the city and hugely rewarding for participants.

Major Steve Cox, Officer Commanding RNRC Hasler, said: “This event offers the competitors an opportunity to push beyond and overcome physical or psychological barriers and compete on a level playing field to attain personal goals.”  

The event is designed to foster and re-energise the competitive spirit of participants; aligned to the military mindset, focused on what an individual or team can achieve. 

Darren Carlile, Head of National Security UK&I AECOM, said: “AECOM is passionate about delivering a better world and being a veteran myself, we are committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel and the veterans community and the Rehabilitation Triathlon is a great example of this.   Many of our colleagues are ex-military, so we are proud to have this opportunity and cheer on these astounding athletes driven by pure grit and determination.”

The race will start with a swim in the art-deco Tinside Lido at 11am, then cycle time trials across and around the Hoe before moving onto static rowing machines. There will be entertainment on the main stage from 4pm by local community choirs, with the award ceremony at 5pm, followed by The Band of HM Royal Marines, The Corps of Drums and the Lord Mayor’s address. 

Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications, Councillor Jemima Laing, said “Plymouth is very proud of its long military history and of our Armed Forces community. It is an honour to organise the Rehabilitation Triathlon on Plymouth Hoe once more, and I am thrilled to welcome back these great athletes. I want to invite everyone to come and express their support. I'm sure you'll be encouraged as you see the participants' determination and strength as they compete throughout the race.”

Find out more about Rehabilitation Triathlon and Armed Forces Day - in association with Babcock - a free full day of activities on Saturday 24 June on Plymouth Hoe, including displays, demonstrations, entertainment and an evening concert. www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk