Mum-of-three makes history by completing 'world’s toughest triathlon'

A mum-of-three from Ayrshire has become the first Scot in history to complete a race described as “the world’s toughest triathlon.“

Lyndsey Blair, from Troon, crossed the finish line of the gruelling Enduroman Arch 2 Arc Challenge on September 11, after completing the challenge in 95 hours and 11 minutes.

The 44-year-old is only the 65th person – and the 15th woman – to ever finish the race.

Her effort has raised over £18,000 for the charities Ayrshire Cancer Support, which provides vital services to cancer patients and their families, and Hospitality Action, which provides training, employment and wellbeing support for people looking to build careers in the industry.

The Arch 2 Arc pushes athletes through three extreme stages: an 87-mile run from Marble Arch in London to Dover, a solo swim across the English Channel, and finally, a 181-mile cycle from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Lyndsey’s swim proved to be the defining test. After almost 23 hours on foot to reach Dover, she began what should have been a 21-mile Channel crossing.

Unpredictable tides and winds of up to 17 knots turned it into a gruelling 80km effort lasting more than 19 hours – almost double the expected distance.

Lyndsey Blair celebrates completing 'world's toughest triathlon' — Lyndsey Blair celebrates completing ‘world’s toughest triathlon’ Tiger Bond

At several points she was pushed back towards the English coast, before finding the strength to dig deep for over two hours and break through the current to reach France.

The last leg saw her take on a 181 mile (291km) cycle from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Lyndsey said: “This challenge was never just about me, but about raising money and awareness for two charities that do incredible work for people when they need it most.

“The Channel was the toughest thing I have ever done. I felt like I was swimming and getting nowhere for hours, but the thought of why I was doing it and the people supporting me kept me moving forward.”

“As a mum, I also wanted to show my kids that if you set your mind to do something and work hard, even the biggest challenges can be possible.”

The ultra-endurance athlete trained for months in preparation for the course and was joined by a support team consisting of her husband Kenny, who runs hospitality business Buzzworks, her niece and training partner, Beth Barclay, Andy Callachan and David Watt from Callachans Health, and Enduroman official, Jon Cowell.

Lyndsey paid tribute to her entire crew who kept her going throughout, adding “I could never have done this without the team around me.

“Becoming the first Scot to finish the Arch 2 Arc is something I’ll always be proud of, but what matters most is the difference this will make for the charities.

“That’s what kept me putting one foot in front of the other.”

Supporters can still contribute to Lyndsey’s fundraising efforts by visiting Givewheel.