Eggers Edges Out Armstrong In Charity Challenge

Few people in the world can brag about beating seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in a race, while raising more than $50,000 for charity, but add Orchard Park native Mary Eggers to that list.

The Rochester-area nurse and triathlete squared off against Armstrong in a University at Buffalo pool as part of a good-natured fundraiser that started as a joke and led to the pair racing two lengths of the pool Saturday afternoon using only their legs and kickboards — the aquatic version of a potato sack race.

Funds raised from the event went to Armstrong’s foundation, LIVESTRONG, and the Rochester-based Teens Living with Cancer program, which will use some of the proceeds to open a chapter in Buffalo.

“Go Mary!” yelled friends and family, as the race began in the UB natatorium.

Armstrong, who was in town for UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series Saturday night, was in the lane next to Eggers, and the two were neck-and-neck for 50 meters, before Eggers reached out and touched the wall first.

“Best two out of three?” Armstrong cracked.

Eggers sensed the world-class athlete took it easy on her.

Read more: Buffalonews.com