Changing Terrain, Same Spirit: IM ABLE's Got the Nerve? Triathlon Heads to Ephrata!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Changing Terrain, Same Spirit: IM ABLE's Got the Nerve? Triathlon Heads to Ephrata!


Ephrata, PA – IM ABLE Foundation is eager to announce the new date and location for its annual Got the Nerve? Triathlon! This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Ephrata, PA. After 20 years of success at Mt. Gretna, the triathlon is moving to Ephrata to offer a more accessible and inclusive race experience, particularly for adaptive athletes and beginners.

Mt. Gretna’s mountainous terrain, while beautiful, posed significant challenges for athletes using handcycles and adaptive equipment. The steep hills made it difficult for many adaptive athletes to participate fully. In addition, the swim-to-bike transition area required some athletes to be carried due to the distance and incline, which was not in alignment with IM ABLE’s commitment to removing barriers in sports. Recognizing these challenges, IM ABLE worked tirelessly to find a new venue that would provide a more accessible and supportive environment for all participants.

Ephrata emerged as the ideal choice. The venue features a reasonably flat bike course with gentle elevation changes under 4%, which is ideal for athletes using handcycles and pushrims. The fully paved course meets the requirements of the USAT ParaDevelopment Series, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for all participants. The surrounding rural landscape also offers minimal traffic, making the bike course safer for athletes of all levels.

The swim course will be held in an outdoor pool that is beginner-friendly, with an accessible ramp to ensure that athletes with disabilities can enter and exit the water with ease. For the run course, participants will race along the Ephrata-Lititz Rail Trail, a fully paved, scenic, and safe route that is perfect for both competitive and recreational runners.

Ephrata offers more than just great race courses. The community is welcoming and boasts a variety of lodging and dining options for traveling athletes. It is also home to a strong connection with military veterans, thanks to local organizations like the American Legion, AmVets, and VFW. Participants will have the opportunity to race past the historic Dick Winters Memorial, honoring the WWII hero, adding a meaningful connection to the race. Ephrata also features premier training resources, such as the Ephrata Area Recreation Center, which provides excellent swimming facilities for athletes looking to train before the event.

The Got the Nerve? Triathlon offers several race options to accommodate athletes of all abilities. The event includes a Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, and Youth Splash & Dash, with Super Sprint and Sprint distance options designed to challenge athletes of all levels. The event will also feature two divisions for adaptive athletes: the Paratriathlete division, for athletes eligible to compete in a Paralympic sport, and the Adaptive division, which is open to athletes who choose not to race according to Paratriathlon rules or who use different equipment.

Thanks to the generous support of IM ABLE donors, adaptive athletes race for free. Volunteers will also be available to guide adaptive athletes throughout the course, ensuring that each athlete has the personalized support they need to succeed.

In addition to the race itself, IM ABLE is offering a Got the Nerve? Triathlon Training Program, beginning Sunday, April 6th. This program, in partnership with the Ephrata Recreation Center, will be held every Sunday from 1:00 – 2:00 PM and is designed to help participants swim, bike, and run their way to the finish line. Training program participants will receive a 15% discount on the Got the Nerve? race registration.

The Got the Nerve? Triathlon is a cornerstone event for IM ABLE, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for athletes with disabilities. The event aims to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and empower athletes to achieve their fitness and athletic goals. Proceeds from the triathlon benefit IM ABLE’s programs, which provides adaptive fitness program opportunities, adaptive equipment grants, and community support to athletes with disabilities.


For more information, email Becky Rennix at becky@imablefoundation.org or visit runsignup.com/gtn

For more information about IM ABLE Foundation’s services, sponsorship, or to make a gift, please contact Director of Development Brian Sutherland at brian@imablefoundation.org or visit imablefoundation.org