Elite and ‘social’ wheelchair racers on holidays claim 10km Wheelchair titles

Wheelchair 10km winner Tyler Byers has a strange way of enjoying a holiday.

“I’m here on holiday with my family from Spokane Washinton (USA) and this is my idea of relaxing while I’m here,” Byers laughed.

“I did the full marathon in 2009, finishing behind Kurt Fearnley and Richard Nicholson and I’m using today as a warm-up for another go at it tomorrow (Sunday),” he said.

Byers (25:33) finished exactly three minutes ahead of Australia’s Geoff Trappett (28:33) and Grant Cunningham (43:40).

For women’s winner 55-year-old Victorian Sharnie Digby (45:37) today’s race was one of a remarkable three outings planned over the weekend.

“I've actually done the double the past two years - the half and the full, but this time I’m doing the three events (10km, 5km, Marathon) over the weekend.

“I love supporting this event If you offer three events, I'll be here to do them.

“I want to encourage more social wheelies to get out and do it; you don't have to be an elite to do this sport, and I want more and more people to see that.”