Welcome to the Big Apple

On October 10, 2026, Alpha Racing is pleased to host the inaugural Big Apple Triathlon. We are excited to be opening the doors wide to the paratriathlon community.

We have a brand-new hybrid sprint course for all paratriathletes.  Whether you’re new to the sport, or training for an international sprint distance, this one is for you.

We are offering a 1500m swim in the famed waters of the Hudson River, a 12.4-mile bike course along the Henry Hudson Parkway and a 2.5 mile run in Central Park.  The race offers a down-water swim, a rolling bike course and a run that hits some of the hills in Central Park.  You will finish in grand fashion right by the 72nd Street Fountains.  

Classifications

Following the USAT rules, we will be offering the following race categories (classifications).  You must select one when registering

• PTWC1/2

• PTS2

• PTS3

• PTS4

• PTS5

• PTVI 1/2/3* 

If you are not classified, register for the ATD1 Division in one of the following categories

AD1 Wheelchair

ATD1 Ambulatory

ATD1 Visually Impaired

ATD2 (Neurodiverse)

Guides

PTVI and ATD1 Visually Impaired athletes must race the entire race with the same GUIDE. Guides must register so that they can sign the race waivers. Once you have registered, we will reach out to your guide and provide a complementary coupon code.

Handlers

All Para racers (except for visually impaired athletes) are entitled to a handler.  This is a special perk for your race to help with transitions, post and pre-race needs, etc.  You can either bring your own handler, or we can assign someone to work with you.  You will need to answer this question when registering.  If you do not know, leave it blank.  We will check in with you well before race day.

Handlers do not register for the race and are not allowed to race alongside you or be on the course except for pre-arranged areas.  

Handlers will be asked to watch a pre-recorded training session before joining you on race day.

Awards

We will be giving out awards for the three top male and three top female racers in each category.  

Briefings

We will be in touch as we get closer to the race about special paratriathlon race briefings.

Questions

If you have any questions related to the paratriathlon race, please contact Justin Model ([email protected]) 

Sport Class Classification

Paratriathletes wishing to race in series races should have a USAT National Classification or a World Triathlon Classification of a “C” or “R” or “P” and be 16 years of age or older as of December 31, 2026.

If you have not yet been classified, you will need to have a good estimate of your future classification sport class so that you can register properly for the races. Please contact Auburn Bosworth at [email protected] if you need some guidance on how you might estimate your sport class.

To request a classification appointment, you will need to qualify for and register for the USAT Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, WI on August 9th. Please send your medical diagnosis to [email protected] and Auburn Bosworth at [email protected]. 

Additional medical documentation needed for classification can be found here: https://www.usatriathlon.org/adaptive-athletes/classification

Paratriathlon Sport Classes

All paratriathletes must compete within their USAT-approved sport class. There are nine sport classes in paratriathlon that compete in six medal events. PTWC1 and PTWC2 classes compete in the PTWC Medal Event. 

Definitions

PTWC1 - Most impaired wheelchair users. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run segment; Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to: muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.

PTWC2 - Least impaired wheelchair users. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run segment; Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to: muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis.

PTS2 - Severe impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.

PTS3 - Significant impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.

PTS4 - Moderate impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.

PTS5 - Mild impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices. Includes athletes with comparable activity limitation and an impairment of, but not limited to, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia and or athetosis, impaired muscle power or range of movement.

PTVI1 - Includes athletes who are totally blind, from no light perception in either eye, to some light perception. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.

PTVI2 - Includes athletes who are more severe partially sighted athletes. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.

PTVI3 - Includes athletes who are less severe partially sighted athletes. One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment. A guide from the same nationality and gender is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.

ATD1 (Adaptive Triathlon Division 1) athletes are paratriathletes who are not yet (or unable to be) classified. ATD1 athletes are welcome to race at the USAT Para Development Series events and at Paratriathlon National Championships in the ATD1 category (no qualification required). ATD1 athletes should register for the ATD1 category that best fits: ATD1 Wheelchair, ATD1 Ambulatory, or ATD1 VI.