The IM ABLE Foundation proudly celebrated the 21st year of its signature event, Got the Nerve? Triathlon, with a powerful display of community, courage, and inclusivity. Held for the first time at Thomas P. Grater Memorial Park, next to the Ephrata Community Pool, the race took place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, where athletes and supporters braved summer heat to support a shared mission of empowerment through movement.
This year’s event welcomed a record-breaking 22 adaptive athletes – the highest number in the triathlon’s history – reaffirming the event’s purpose to inspire, include, and empower. In total, 218 athletes participated across a variety of race formats and distances.
Presented by the IM ABLE Foundation, the triathlon featured multiple race options tailored to all experience levels and abilities: Triathlon (swim, bike, run), Duathlon (run, bike, run), Aquabike (swim, bike), Youth Splash & Dash (swim, run).
Participants could select either Sprint or Super Sprint distances, making the event accessible for both newcomers and seasoned athletes.
At the heart of Got the Nerve? is a strong commitment to inclusivity. The event featured two divisions specifically for adaptive athletes: The Paratriathlete Division, following Paralympic competition guidelines. The Adaptive Division, accommodating athletes using alternative equipment or those not competing under official classifications.
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. 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.
“There are a lot of barriers that individuals with disabilities face,” said Ali Dipiazza, one of this year’s adaptive participants. “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. I am very grateful the IM ABLE Foundation allowed me to use their handcycle in order to compete in the cycling division.”
“This event is about more than finishing a race – it’s about showing what’s possible when barriers are removed,” said Becky Rennix, Program Director at the IM ABLE Foundation and Ephrata resident. “Seeing this incredible turnout, especially from our adaptive athletes, makes it even more meaningful to be hosting Got the Nerve? in Ephrata. We truly hope this becomes a permanent home for years to come.”
Proceeds benefit the IM ABLE Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through movement. Donations support adaptive equipment grants, inclusive fitness programming, and a strong community network that champions possibility over limitation.
“We are so grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and believed in the mission,” said Alex A. Pilkington, CEO of IM ABLE Foundation. “Together, we are moving the needle for adaptive athletes and creating a more inclusive future – one event at a time.”
For more information about IM ABLE Foundation’s services, sponsorship, or to make a gift, contact Director of Development Brian Sutherland at brian@imablefoundation.org or visit imablefoundation.org