Beth Sanden’s journey has been defined by determination, resilience, and a relentless drive to finish what she starts. A wife, mother, and USA Triathlon coach, Beth was a strong competitor in the early 2000s, racing Ironman California and qualifying for Kona. She also earned a coveted spot at the Boston Marathon in 2002. 

But just days before Boston, Beth’s trajectory changed dramatically. During a 50-mile training ride, she crashed on a downhill section of broken asphalt, landing between her shoulder blades. The impact left her with a spinal cord injury at T6-7, altering her mobility and her path in sport. 

Returning to Sport with CAF 

Years after her accident, Beth found her way back into competition with the support of a CAF grant for a handcycle in 2010. That support gave her the chance to complete unfinished business at Boston, this time as one of only eight handcyclists accepted that year. 

Her performance captured international attention. Soon after, she was invited to the Great Wall of China Marathon, which she completed in 2011 using a walker, brace, and handcycle in just over seven hours. 

From there, Beth set her sights higher: completing marathons on every continent. 

World Records and Global Challenges 

Beth has since logged an extraordinary record of endurance achievements: 

• Completed marathons on all seven continents and the North Pole on a handcycle — a first for a female athlete with a spinal cord injury. 

• Registered in the Guinness World Records for these accomplishments. 

• Finished more than 118 marathons and 70 Olympic sprint triathlons. 

• Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro while raising funds for CAF. 

Her athletic career also includes winning the Los Angeles Marathon as a handcyclist and continuing to compete in triathlon. 

Overcoming New Setbacks 

In 2021, Beth faced another life-altering moment when a car accident in Dana Point left her with severe stress fractures in her lower back. Initially told by multiple doctors that there was no solution, she eventually found a path forward through spinal surgery with Dr. Burak Ozgur at Hoag. 

The procedure restored her mobility. Within six months, Beth was racing again, finishing the Los Angeles Marathon on her handcycle in 2 hours and 27 minutes. 

 Recognition and Advocacy 

Beth’s contributions to sport have been recognized in her community and beyond. In 2023, she was inducted into the San Clemente Sports Hall of Fame, joining a legacy of athletes who have shaped the region’s sporting culture. 

She has also raised over $60,000 for CAF, ensuring that athletes with physical disabilities have access to the same kind of support that helped her return to competition. As a coach, mentor, and fundraiser, Beth uses her platform to encourage others to find possibility through movement. 

Support Athletes Who Redefine Possibility 

Beth Sanden’s journey from Ironman competitor to world-record-holding marathoner shows the power of resilience, community, and opportunity. CAF provides the equipment, training, and support that make these stories possible. 

Join us in supporting more athletes like Beth as they chase their goals across every finish line in the world.