Victor Triathlon attracts more than 850 competitors

VICTOR HARBOR – The 23^rd Victor Harbor Triathlon Fun Run/Walk was one of the best and “most special” for race director Sid James. 

There were more than 850 competitors and one of them was the man himself Sid James, competing for the first time in his own event.

Preparing for the Hawaiian Ironman in October 2017 Sid, who is a quadriplegic, competed with the aid of good friend and champion triathlete Kevin Fergusson. 

Kevin towed Sid in the 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and pushed him in the 10km run, finishing the Olympic distance event in the good time of two hours and 20 minutes.

The winner of the men’s event was Steve McKenna with a time of 1:55:12.6 and in the women, Jen Sturm recorded the best time of 2:23:16.1.

“It was a herculean effort  by Kevin, as our time isn’t bad when you consider the winner recorded one hour and 55 minutes,” Sid said.

“It was an awesome day. We could not have had a bigger crowd and the entries were the fifth best ever. I am so proud and of course the effort Kevin is making in helping me realise a dream to compete, not just in my own event, but the Hawaiian Ironman is phenomenal.

“We did have a couple of hiccups. I ordered the wrong weather and we had a mechanical failure on the cycle and another mishap on the run.”

Sid was a reputable triathlete and sportsman before his accident in 1993 when he came off his bike training for an event.

But since then, Sid has opened doors to a new life and from his wheelchair he runs two triathlon events each year, the Encounter Bay Triathlon in November and the Victor Harbor Triathlon Fun Run/Walk.

Sid is thankful for the support from Encounter Lakes residents and from the City of Victor Harbor so the event could be a success.