White won for her story previewing last year’s Cohasset triathlon titled, “Putting a face on Type-1 diabetes.”

“A neat twist on the goal of the triathlon – a team made up of diabetics competing to raise money for diabetes research,” wrote the judges. “Well written, perfect for giving hope to those who suffer from the disease.”

After an undetected heart condition claimed the life of 38-year-old Joe Lyons during the 2007 Cohasset Triathlon, no one would have blamed Joe’s widow, Karen, if she distanced herself from the sport.

In fact, though she enjoyed an active lifestyle, Karen had never participated in a triathlon.

For the third year running, the Cohasset Triathlon put on a show for the town of Cohasset.

The biggest stage Cohasset has probably ever seen was at Sandy Beach. Over 800 athletes descended on the town to complete the 15-mile, three-sport course. Hundreds of residents and visitors lined the racecourse with cheers and enthusiasm.

On Sunday, June 28 hundreds of athletes will take to the waters off Sandy Beach as part of the third annual Cohasset Triathlon.

Among those rushing into the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves will be Olympic gold medalist Gary Hall Jr. The Olympic swimmer will compete in the triathlon as part of a relay team poised to inspire by demonstrating there isn’t anything someone with Type-1 diabetes can’t accomplish.

Inspiration was the prevailing sentiment at the Cohasset Triathlon on Sunday morning. Hundreds of athletes took in Cohasset's scenery and make their way around the challenging 15-mile course despite a dense morning fog.

Watch TheBostonChannel.com's coverage of Team Lyons and the Cohasset Triathlon.

Karen Lyons is taking on the second annual Cohasset Triathlon to finish what her husband started.

Joe Lyons, 38, died of a heart attack last July while swimming in the first triathlon, a benefit for juvenile diabetes research. The Lyons' 8-year-old son, Sam, was diagnosed with juvenile, or Type I, diabetes when he was 2 and Joe had signed up for every fund-raiser he heard about.

"In life, sometimes your path just reveals itself as you are walking along." That's how Karen Aaronson of Newton describes what happened to her when her life changed in a tragic and dramatic way nearly one year ago.

Joe Lyons dedicated himself to raising money and awareness to help support research to cure Juvenile Diabetes after his son Sam was diagnosed with the disease at the age of two.

"He was a champion for that cause pretty much from day one," says wife Karen Aaronson who lives in Newton, Mass. "We took on the role as total caregivers when [Sam] was diagnosed and then [Lyons] moved out into the activist role. He was very passionate about not only taking care of Sam but trying to make a difference in the disease and helping to find a cure for it."

COHASSET — Strength. Courage. Love.

On the day of the Cohasset Triathlon, Karen Lyons will turn to those powers within herself to complete the race.

With her blond hair tucked under a swimming cap, she will wait on the sands of Sandy Beach for the starting signal to begin the race her husband, Joe Lyons, wasn't able to complete.