Testimonials

June 2010 - What an awesome job you did at the Heartland Triathlon this weekend.  It was my first time participating in the event and it was first class! I will be sure to recommend it to anyone that wants to do a great sprint tri!  My friend Luis said he picked up my 1st place Age Group award and I even got a Rudy Project duffel bag too... can't wait to see it!  Thanks again Cherie, you did an awesome job!!
 
Alex
June 2010 - Cherie, Incredible job you did. You should be very proud of yourself and your team. I heard about last year's event in comparison. Absolutely stunning. As a vendor, I listen closely to the participants. I can assure you they were very pleased. With that, I feel your efforts created a successful event. Congratulations and "Thank You" for making the event a success for me also.

Advancing Lifestyles,
Jacquard
June 2010 - You guys put on a great race.  I was in the area for business from Canada and found your race on the internet when I was thinking about finding a local race to do.  Anyways, I was very impressed with the race you guys put on...how often to do you get to race against Michellie Jones?  A coworker down on business with me decided to race it as his first triathlon ever and had a great time.  You guys really have a relaxed and laid back race which makes it perfect for first timers.  Thanks again, everything was great...with the exception of a few timing errors with the results.  Thanks again for a great race.  Can't promise to do it again since I live about a 1000 miles away, but I'll put a great race report on my team website in case any other of us canucks are ever in the area! 
 
Brandon Habermehl  
June 2010 - Cherie, I just wanted to congratulate you for your leadership, hard work, and expertise that made the Heartland Triathlon such a successful Highlands County event. As a first year volunteer, I had no idea what a triathlon was all about and was totally unaware of the tremendous amount of work, coordination, and community participation required. I was unable to be there for the adult race, but if it was half as organized as the kids race, I'm sure it was outstanding.

My assigned spot was transition. I loved it, so much to do and interacting with the kids (some of which were participating for the first time) was awesome! The staff and other  volunteers were very helpful (good for a newbie). It was great that the kids could pick there own spot and rack their bikes where they wanted.

Thanks again to you and your staff for all of your hard work and I look forward to volunteering again next year! 

Pam Fafeita

June 2010 - Dear Cherie,  Just a note to thank you. As a fellow race director here ( I have put on numerous tri’s and running races in Southwest Fl. for the  30 years) I can tell you that from a participants standpoint as well as directors’ your event was Marvelous once again.   This was my fourth year and you all continue to knock my socks off with your organizational skills , and “hometown” flavor.   In fact it is just that style which I have be attempting to achieve with all the races I direct-and you have done it beautifully. So Thank you, Thank you,  Thank you----See you next year.   

George Dondanville, Naples Fl.  

PS I know I speak for my wife, Susan Cone, as well as the over 20 Naples Area   Triathletes  who raced.

August 2009 - I thought it was wonderful! Everyone was very helpful and it was the smoothest run race I have yet to compete in. Not to mention the home town feeling that you really can't get at any other triathlon. I actually just did another one in  Miami this past weekend and got frustrated with the management committee, you spoiled me down there with such a great race! I look forward to coming back next year..and bringing my training group with me!! Thanks again for a GREAT event!! 
Kaitlin  Shiver

August 2009 - Patrick, Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the sport of triathlon.You and Cherie have created a sprint triathlon that is second to none.  I've been doing tris for over 20 years, and this  was one I won't forget - getting to meet and spend time with Mark Allen was incredible.  You guys truly make triahletes feel special.  Thanks again, and see you next year,
Ken

August 2009 - Patrick, Lots of fun hope to be back in 2010
Joe Bonness

July 2009 - Thank you so much for the invite to the Heartland triathlon event weekend.  You and your amazing team did one first class bang up job throughout the entire weekend.  The Saturday luncheon with Mark Allen was amazing and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him.  The Saturday night Pasta dinner was incredible followed up by the presentation in the auditorium.  Thank you for recognizing each of the All American/Honorable Mention athletes.  You really made us feel like kings and queens for the weekend.  The triathlon Sunday was absolutely top notch.  The volunteers out on the course were as accommodating and friendly as anyone could ever ask for.  Can't wait for the 2010 Heartland Tri!!! Gratefully,
Diane Calloway  
July 2009 - It truly was a memorable weekend.  We really enjoyed it.  What a thrill to meet Mark Allen and listen to his stories!  I also really enjoyed hearing the stories and meeting the All Americans there also....very impressive group.  And the race on Sunday was outstanding.  You and your team do an awesome job.  We already have our calendars marked for next year, and we are spreading the word to friends and family.  Brad couldn't do the race this year due to a knee injury, but he sure plans on doing it next year.  His only suggestion is to add a Clydesdale category (he and several of his friends compete in that category)...just a thought.  Thanks so much for such a terrific weekend and fun competition!  We look forward to seeing you again in 2010.  All the best,
Sheila Donahoe
July 29, 2009 - Cherie, Congratulations on a tremendous 2009 Heartland Triathlon!  The fourth year was definitely the best as you and your committee continues to raise the bar for sprint triathlons throughout the country.  This year was my son Matthew’s first time participating in a triathlon and at the age of six, I am so proud to say he completed the event and placed second in his age group.  I would not have felt comfortable having him complete in any other event for his first time, as the Heartland Triathlon is professionally run and organized with a tremendous group of volunteers and event organizers with well defined initiatives and goals.  All of you should be congratulated on a job “Well Done”!
Dan
March 17, 2009 - Hi Cherie!  I totally remember you! You were also kind enough last year to leave a comment on my blog after the race. :o) The Heartland is my "A" race for the summer. I loved the race SO much last year (despite the weather conditions). Out of the 4 tris that I completed in 2008, the Heartland was by far my favorite: best organization, best volunteers, best post-race food (by far), best pre-race clinic/banquet, awesome location! You guys really run a first class event! I'm bringing along two other folks to your event this year and I've told many other locals about it. The word is definitely spreading about the quality of this event. Kudos to you!!! :o)  See you in July!
Sherry LaBree
 
2008

July 13, 2008 - My husband and I competed in the triathlon this morning and I just felt I had to write and tell you what a great race you put on.  This is our second year completing the race and we will be back next year with the kids!  You, the committee, and the volunteers put on a first class race that is very organized with a beautiful course.  My husband even lost his chip in the water and when he got to transition a volunteer handed him a new chip and his split times all seemed accurate.  Even with the torrential downpour this morning (It was a little nerve racking on the bike, but the run was fun running in the rain), we had a great time.  Thank you for all your time and effort and putting on a first class race.  A big thank you also to all those volunteers who stood out in the rain!  Also, what a bonus meeting Dave Scott!  See you next year.
Ed and Joni Reid  Bradenton, FL
 
July 13, 2008 - I was the athlete injured in the race on Sunday morning. I seriously lacerated two fingers in the spokes of my bicycle during the early part of the bike ride and was taken to Heartland Florida Hospital for x-rays and treatment.  It was a wonderful race and I'm so sorry I didn't get to finish it. The trophies were the best I've ever seen, and I wanted to win one! I will definitely be back next . . . .
Beth Barnes
July 14, 2008 - GREAT JOB !!!!!!! You and your crew deserve a medal for all of the hard work and dedication you put in to make this event such a success. Thanks,
Randy Grice
July 14, 2008 - I just wanted to send you an email and thank you for a wonderful race. I have been racing since 1991 and have probably done over 100 races; everything from sprints to iron-man distances. Your race was one of the most enjoyable races that I have participated in. It was extremely organized, friendly, and well-supported. I look forward to competing next year and will tell more of my triathlete friends not to miss it. Thank you,
Susan Cone  Naples FL

July 14, 2008 - Good morning!  Great job!!!!!!  The event was fantastic and well organized.  You and your team deserve a ton of kudos.  I truly enjoyed participating in the event this year.  Maybe next year I will even train for it.
Doug Harcombe, MBA, PHR
July 21, 2008  - Just thought I would drop you a note to thank you for putting on the Heartland Triathlon…It was a blast!  It reminded me of how the Clermont tri’s use to be years ago…Lots of community support and lots of fun…….. I will plan on doing it again next year.
David Gresko
July 21, 2008 - Another great year for the Heartland Tri - I really liked the changes in the run course, and the bike course is a great tour around the lake.  I also like the fact that there are some hills, and not too many technical turns to slow you down.  Also - even though it wasn't hot like it was last year, thanks to the rain, I think I counted one extra water station, which is greatly appreciated!  From a participant's perspective, everything went smoothly and the volunteers were great.   Thanks for helping to keep this event alive with the challenges faced this year! 
Ryan Dorrell

July 27, 2008 - Hello Florida Hospital Heartland Division,  Thank you for being a title sponsor for the Heartland Triathlon. I was a participant in the recent event. This was my very first triathlon. I enjoyed every minute of the experience. For a first timer , it was great to know I was in such good hands. I wish to thank all the sponsors and , especially the wonderful volunteers. Such a friendly event! I can not wait until next year. Also , please thank Cherie Starr, Heartland Triathlon Race Director, for all the effort it took to pull off such a fun event. Thank you !  See you next year!
Susan Reddell  Clermont , Florida

July 27, 2008 - Cherie, Thanks. after doing several Tri's - I think the Heartland is by far the best one.  Great Job this year. 

Richard "Bo" Birt   Director of Finance  SBHC