Sarah Wilby becomes first para athlete in Beccles Triathlon

The ninth triathlon in the Suffolk town took place on Sunday, June 11, with 172 people competing as individuals and in relay teams. 

The fastest woman in the Beccles Triathlon was Carrie Farris (Image: Supplied)

Facing hot and challenging conditions, Liam Gentry was the first man over the line with a time of 1:06:34, while Carrie Farris was the first woman with a time of 1:17:40.

The winning relay team was Emma Williamson, Stuart Supple and Pieter Mackeith from Beccles Medical Centre, with a time of 1:11:06.

Sarah Wilby, who is blind, made history as the first para-athlete to take part - cycling on a tandem bike with guide Sue, and running with another guide, Lucie. 

The fastest man in the Beccles Triathlon was Liam Gentry (Image: CHRIS ARNOLD)

She finished with a time of 2:46:48. Sarah said: “[It] was one of the best experiences of my life and I loved every minute”.

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The triathlon consisted of a 420-metre swim - 14 lengths of Beccles Lido - followed by a 12.6-mile cycle through Geldeston and Ditchingham and back along the B1062, and then a 4.2-mile to the quay, around the towpath and back to the lido. 

The winning relay team was Beccles Medical Centre (Image: Supplied)

Beccles Lido runs the event, supported by Beccles Triathlon Club.

The race, which relies on volunteers, raises money for the lido.

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Shaun Crowley, lido managing director and race director, said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make Sunday’s race such an awesome event – all the volunteers, our neighbours, sponsors, all the support along the course, and all the competitors and the great spirit with which they competed.”

Sarah Wilby and run guide Lucie (Image: AMALIE TOPLIS)

The event will return in June 2024. For more information or to join the triathlon club, visit www.becclestri.com.