An ultra-marathon triathlete will traverse more than 350km to raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF).
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Benjamin Webster will raise money by pushing his body to the limits when he swims, cycles and runs from Bondi Beach to Canberra to Yass, his hometown, on Saturday–Sunday, March 25–26.
Mr Webster said the impetus for the event was a need to make a difference for the Sydney Children's Hospital foundation.
I will be raising funds for these families who, at times, have to give up their jobs, move to the city or be removed from their families to care for their sick children.
- Benjamin Webster
“Having a young child, I know what other parents go through, so it would be good to combine two things that are important to me, “ he said.
Webster aims to raise $50,000 for the SCHF, which sees more than 60,000 ill or injured children per year and is drastically underfunded. Of the 60,000 children, more than 50 per cent come from rural or remote areas of Australia. The ultra-triathlon will consist of the following:
- 10km swim from Bondi Beach to Watson Bay
- 300km cycle from Watson Bay to Canberra
- 50km run from Canberra to Yass
Webster said he wants to help rural families with their medical expenses and associated costs.
“I will be raising funds for these families who, at times, have to give up their jobs, move to the city or be removed from their families to care for their sick children,” he said.
Webster, who grew up in Yass, said he has always had a vested interest in triathlons. “I began at 16 and used the local pool, gym and tracks. One of my teachers encouraged me to pursue triathlon, firstly at the amateur level.” Asked about his expectations for the ultra-triathlon, he said he definitely will achieve it even if it takes more than one day.
“I also encourage people to come out to support, to say hello,” he said. To track Webster’s progress, you can follow him on Instagram.
Webster thanks Trek Bike Australia for supplying a bike and riding gear. The bike will be auctioned after the event with proceeds going to the hospital. More information and donation can be made at his GoFundraise page.