How do wheelchair athletes do the run in triathlon?
I · Intermediate · Swim, bike and run · 5 of 5Wheelchair athletes push a racing wheelchair with two large wheels and one small, a front brake and plain hand rims, and no gears. Any propulsion other than pushing the wheels means disqualification. They finish when the leading wheel's axle reaches the line. Standing amputees may run with an approved prosthesis, blades only on a prosthesis. Run courses are no steeper than 5%.
How it works
- Racing chair: two big wheels, one small.
- Wheels: up to 70 cm and 50 cm.
- Brake: on the front wheel.
- Rims: plain and round; no gears or levers.
- Other propulsion: disqualification.
- Finish: front axle at the line.
- Prosthesis: on the missing limb only, approved.
- Gradient: 5% at most.
The glossary has the racing wheelchair, the prosthesis (run), the course gradients, the PTS2 to PTS5, the guide and the time limit (para triathlon).
Tricky cases
Can a runner use a blade without a prosthesis?
No. Blades must be mounted on a prosthesis.
When does a wheelchair athlete finish?
When the front axle reaches the line.
Can a PTVI guide pull the athlete along?
No. Guides may not pull or push.
Is a lever-drive chair allowed?
No.
Why the rule exists
Plain rims and no gears keep the chair a pushing contest. Gentle run gradients keep wheelchair racing safe downhill.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PTWC | Racing chair | 17.15 |
| PTS | Prostheses | 17.16 |
| Course | 5% maximum | 17.15h |
From the rule book
World Triathlon, Competition Rules (2026, amendments to 29 April 2026), articles 17.15 to 17.17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Triathlon Competition Rules, Section 17.