Hundreds race in 21st annual Got the Nerve? Triathlon

The IM ABLE Foundation held its 21st annual Got the Nerve? Triathlon for the first time at Thomas P. Grater Memorial Park.

The event June 22 welcomed a record-breaking 22 adaptive athletes, and 218 athletes in total participated across a variety of race formats and distances, organizers said.

The triathlon featured race options for all experience levels and abilities, including triathlon, duathlon, aquabike and youth splash and dash, and two divisions for adaptive athletes.

“In addition to its community impact, Got the Nerve? is also a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race, giving both able-bodied and adaptive athletes the opportunity to earn qualifying points toward state and national rankings – with the potential to reach international Olympic and Paralympic competition,” IM ABLE noted in its announcement of the event. “It is one of only eight events nationwide selected for the prestigious USAT Para Development Series, making it a critical platform for emerging adaptive athletes.”

Ali Dipiazza, one of this year’s adaptive participants, said people with disabilities face barriers when looking to compete.

“Even when you find a sport or event you want to pursue or compete in, there’s thousands of dollars needed for equipment and then training how to use it and then traveling to events,” Dipiazza said. “I am very grateful the IM ABLE Foundation allowed me to use their handcycle in order to compete in the cycling division.”

Got the Nerve? is a USA Triathlon-sanctioned race,giving both able-bodied and adaptive athletes the opportunity to earn qualifying points toward state and national rankings. (Courtesy of IM ABLE)

Becky Rennix, Program Director at the IM ABLE Foundation, said the event was about showing what was possible when those barriers are removed.

“Seeing this incredible turnout, especially from our adaptive athletes, makes it even more meaningful to be hosting Got the Nerve? in Ephrata,” she said.

Proceeds from Got the Nerve? benefit the IM ABLE Foundation, a Wyomissing-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through movement.

Donations support adaptive equipment grants, inclusive fitness programming, and a strong community network, IM ABLE said.

“We are so grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and believed in the mission,” said Alex A. Pilkington, chief executive officer of of IM ABLE Foundation. “Together, we are moving the needle for adaptive athletes and creating a more inclusive future.”

Racers gathered June 22, 2025, at Thomas P. Grater Memorial Park in Ephrata for the Got the Nerve Triathlon. (Courtesy of IM ABLE)