Braving the piercing winds and the bitter cold at Marvel’s Winter Wonderwheels

By Arron Westbrook, Global Content Strategist

​A festive extravaganza straddling the spectacular Dorney Lake is a prospect that would make almost anyone excited to get out of bed in the morning, particularly when sponsored by everyone’s favourite superhero franchise — Marvel.

But this year’s Winter Wonderwheels — part of the Superhero series, and the brainchild of Paralympian Sophie Warner — was a festive extravaganza that more than matched our lofty expectations.

On the 1st December 2019, everyday Superheroes were invited to cycle, walk, run, push, or anything in between around Dorney’s spectacular lake. Though the weather conditions were brisk at best, a huge turnout of people from all abilities and backgrounds came out to test themselves on the 1km, 5km and 10km circuits, warming themselves with the day’s festivities.

Unlike most events of this kind, Winter Wonderwheels is truly inclusive. As the event organisers state: “there are no cut-off times and all types of gadgets and gismos are welcome, from day chairs, handcycles, walking frames and trikes to tandems, race runners, blades and bikes.”

This year, #TeamGuidant entered two teams into the event, with one group taking part in the 10km event, and another tackling the 5km course.

To give you an overview of how the day unfolded, I’ve recounted my own experience as a Winter Wonderwheels virgin, and asked Wonderwheels seasoned pro, Stephen Salmon, to give his take on the day’s events.

A truly inclusive event that surpasses all expectations
The day got off to a bad start when I picked up a puncture cycling from the train station to Dorney Lake, resulting in a four-mile walk in baltic conditions dressed head-to-toe in lycra.

Any semblance of negativity was, however, quickly erased when the sound of Christmas carols and the smell of hot coffee greeted me on arrival. A helping hand immediately assisted with rectifying my puncture, too. All negativity was thrown out of the window.

Winter Wonderwheels is an extraordinary event. Though I’ve attended sports events in the past, this was the first that was truly inclusive, with people of all ages and ability taking part in the 5km and 10km races.

In the biting wind, I rode around Dorney Lake— overtaking runners, tandems, racing chairs and, quite quickly, #TeamGuidant’s Marketing Manager, Tom. All the day’s superheroes were quite clearly having an incredible day — smiles abounded.

At regular intervals, the organisers and members of the public enthusiastically cheered on the participants, pouring fuel onto the already positive vibe — handy when you’ve quite clearly underdressed for the weather.

My main takeaway from the day? More sports events need to be as inclusive and positive as Winter Wonderwheels. Finishing first in any race will make anyone feel positive for a few hours, but I’ve never been to an event that leaves such a long-lasting impression.

Though I started the day cold, tired and punctured, I’ll definitely be returning next year.

Stephen Salmon — Marketing Executive

In recent years I’ve been able to take part in a number of events that have become open to or been specifically for manual wheelchair users like myself. Winter Wonderwheels is the only event I’ve participated in that has been truly inclusive.

Team 10km was made up of one runner, two cyclists and myself in my day chair. Whilst waiting for the start our conversation quickly came around to what times we were all aiming for. Unlike many events of a similar nature where this would spark competition #TeamGuidant was about support and encouragement, in line with the feel of the day. It was clear though that our cyclists Arron and Tom would be setting off at pace and having their own race!

On the two laps of Dorney Lake I overtook and was overtaken by cyclists, tandems, and racing chairs but to my satisfaction no runners. All taking part were supported by fellow participants, from the sides by cheer teams and by a steel band. At the far end of the lake, the furthest point from the central hub and finish line the positive atmosphere still reached the superheroes.

I happily took several minutes off of my target time but my main takeaway from the day is being part of an event that brought people of all ages and abilities together. With no focus on the nature of their disability, everybody taking part was celebrated for who they are and what they can do, this is what makes the Superhero series special to me.

About Winter Wonderwheels
Winter Wonderwheels is part of the Superhero Series, the UK’s one and only disability sports series for the Everyday Superhero! Their mission is simple: to create fun, full-throttle mass-participation sports challenges where people with disabilities (AKA Everyday Superheroes) call the shots and don’t have to worry about cut-off times or equipment restrictions.

​Want to join an inclusive global family where our people make bold change in the world of work? Browse our latest vacancies today >