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Highlands Today

Triathlon Coordinators Reconsider Resignations

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: May 6, 2008

SEBRING — Three major organizers for the July 12-13 Heartland Triathlon who quit last week reconsidered that decision and are back running Highlands County's largest fitness event.

Cherie Starr, official race director; Jeff Carlson, former Sebring City Council member and a candidate for county commissioner; plus two-time Heartland Triathlon winner and international triathlete Patrick High have decided to return.

The three were involved from the start with both previous races and quit amid controversy swirling around event organizer, the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce. Dan Andrews, president/CEO, was fired last month.

Cherie Starr said Tuesday that the 2008 race – with a separate day of competition for children – was the "biggest triathlon yet."

"It's a first-class event and we have worked really hard for the past two years," said Starr. "I didn't want to see it fail."

Carlson is glad to be back on board.

"We're all really excited to get back involved after talking to many members of the board of directors and title sponsor Florida Hospital's Tim Cook (president/CEO)," said Carlson.

Ray Royce is a member of the chamber's board of directors and said he was glad that Starr, Carlson and High were back.

"I'm glad that the brightest and best are involved with it," said Royce. "Those guys have a couple of years experience, and it's important if they want to be involved. We encourage more people to get involved."

Cook was quoted in a press release issued on Tuesday: "Florida Hospital committed to the 2008 race as soon as their many participants crossed the finish line in 2007. We are fully supportive of this effort to bring a healthy lifestyle to the forefront in our community."

The community is invited to take part in free triathlon training sessions at South Florida Community College. Weekly adult sessions will start on Thursdays starting May 15 at 5:30 p.m. Sessions for kids will start May 20 at 5:30 p.m. and continue Tuesday evenings until race day.

The SFCC pool will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for prospective triathletes. Starr said athletes will have a weekly opportunity to run a full triathlon, or train less if desired.

"They can do as little or as much as they want – or as much as they can," said Starr.

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