UK Forks Race The Sun

On Saturday 29th June 2024, four intrepid members of UK Forks took part in a gruelling triathlon that saw them complete a 28-mile bike ride, with a 9-mile hike and 2-mile kayak to raise funds for Action Aid Medical Research.

The Race The Sun Jurassic Coast Challenge is renowned as one of the toughest triathlons in the UK and takes participants through the country of Dorset across a mixture of riding surfaces and ending on the stunning waters of Studland Bay.

Shayne Wright, managing director of UK Forks along with Emma Basson-Wright, Peter Lewis and Lee Newbery completed the challenge in 11 hours and 30 minutes, even though they accidently took a 10-mile detour! Catching up with Emma, she said:

“So with alarms set for 5am Saturday 29th, (after a few cheeky beers the night before for practice) we arrived at base camp for 6:30am for last minute preparation before setting off on the monstrous journey at 7am.

“The sun was shining and clear blue skies were with us to start the first leg of a 12-mile bike ride through the Isle of Purbeck with views of Old Harry’s Rock to the beautiful setting of Studland Bay and Knoll Beach where we were to embark on a 2 mile Kayak.

“After the kayak, we were back on the bikes to start the next leg of 12-miles to Kimmeridge Bay before we ditched the bikes and hiked east on the South West Coastal Path towards Clavell Tower, and along the Kimmeridge Ledges to Chapmans Pool which was circa 9-miles. Then we were back in the bay for the final leg on the bikes, a 4-mile cycle to Corfe Castle.

“We finished in 11 hours and 33 minutes to a well-deserved beer and BBQ reception. It was a very long and tough day that we all massively underestimated but we did it. Through blood sweat and tears, we got there. It was a great experience and we’re all very proud of our achievements, seeing as we can call ourselves genuine triathletes now ;).

The team smashed their target of £2500 with the Just Giving pot now standing at £3,305 for Action Medical Research, a UK-wide charity funding vital research to help sick and disabled babies and children.