SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Three blind athletes competed in a Sugar Land triathlon Sunday with the help of sighted competitors.

More than 800 people signed up for the 17th Annual Amica Try Andy's Tri, but three received a heroes' welcome.

The visually impaired athletes came from Seattle, Wa., Tallahassee, Fla., and Austin to compete, thanks to the C Different Foundation.

The athletes were guided through the race by local triathletes, who were tethered together during the 300-meter lake swim and 3-mile run. The athletes rode a tandem bike during the 10-mile bike portion.

Houstonian Matt Miller, founder of the C Different Foundation, guided world-class athlete Aaron Scheidies, 27, of Seattle, Wa.

Scheidies is a three-time world champion triathlete.

Scheidies came in first place in the male 25 to 29 age group with a time of 47 minutes, 58 seconds. He was third overall.

Joe Paschall, 53, of Austin, was guided by Houstonian Luis Canales. Pascal is athletic director of the Texas School of the Blind. He finished the course in 1 hour, 5 minutes.

Dave Bigoney, 36, of Tallahassee, Fla., was guided by Brett Cole, of Houston. He crossed the finish line at 1 hour, 17 minutes.

Race director Andy Stewart, of Sugar Land Finish Line Sports, was honored to include the athletes.

"It was one of our best years ever for Try Andy's Tri because of the involvement of C Different. It was inspiring, and great to meet the athletes who, despite being visually impaired, put forth so much effort," Stewart said.

Miller said the athletes felt one of the warmest receptions they've ever received at the Sugar Land race.

The C Different Foundation works to create opportunities for visual impaired athletes to participate in athletic events. It not only provides athletes to guide the visually impaired competitors, C Different also sponsors them for the race, covering all of their traveling expenses.

For more information, visit www.cdifferent.org.