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Fab rehab – iconic Plymouth venues host annual Service triathlon
27 June 2025
More than 150 servicemen and women showed injuries would not hold them back in life during a day-long sporting challenge in the heart of Plymouth.
Now in its eleventh year, the Tri-Service Rehabilitation Triathlon is a staple fixture of Armed Forces Week.
It’s open to all Armed Forces personnel who are recovering from illness/injuries they’ve suffered or acquired in the service of their country, as well as medically-discharged veterans.
This year, the 150 or so Brits drawn from all three Services were joined by a 15-strong team from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps – the Royal Marines’ closest allies.
The event is a sort of ‘Invictus Games’ in microcosm – and the Dutch team provided the international flavour/rivalry.
The adapted triathlon features a swim in the Tinside Lido, a cycle around the streets surrounding the Hoe and a static rowing event. It’s staged over two distances, full or sprint.
Teams of up to three athletes can also take part, competing in one of six categories, depending on individual physical or mental injuries.
The event was introduced to encourage feats of strength, endurance and teamwork to promote awareness of recovery activities, whilst also improving personal recovery.
“It’s to show what you can do – not what you can’t do,” stressed Captain Paul Mayfield RM, from the RN Recovery Headquarters.
“I hope people take away from today that I can still push myself, I can still be competitive, be among my peers. There are some people who may have felt low when they got up this morning, but will have a big smile on their face this evening.”
Capt Mayfield said there was a strong reason for staging the triathlon in public – this is the fourth year running it’s been held on The Hoe – rather on a military base.
“Here, you’ll see people in recumbent chairs, people with missing limbs, or perhaps with prosthetics. And you’ll see that from start to finish, our people are supported. There’s a great sense of belonging and care,” he added.
The competition was split into male/female triathlons and again into main and ‘sprint’ (shortened) categories
Main Male Full: Darian Lambregts – Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Harry Grant-Jones - Royal Marines Zachery Wilmot - Royal Navy
Main Female Full: Annemarieke Stam - Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Su Jeffreys – Royal Navy Madelaine Wilson – Royal Navy
Main Male Sprint: Marcus Stephens – UK/ Royal Marines Brad Willis – UK/ Royal Marines Sam Furniss – UK/Royal Navy
Main Female Sprint: Dennis Ward – Royal Navy Jess Zentilin -Dorey – Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Alison Burgess – Royal Navy