_ The 2020 Heartland Triathlon:- CANCELLED

From The Race Director:

"Heartland Triathlon Status, April 20, 2020

Good afternoon athletes, friends and family of Heartland Triathlon. I am writing today to give you a status update on the 2020 Heartland Triathlon and how we will proceed moving forward. 

Before I get to the update, I want to let you know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We understand that COVID19 is affecting every one of us differently but know the impact has been significant, if not the most significant in our generation. While these times afford a high level of uncertainty, one thing I am confident in is that God has a plan for all of us and I know we will be stronger for having been a part of this.

So...how is this going to affect the 2020 Heartland Triathlon? 

I am postponing the 2020 edition of the Heartland Triathlon to June 12 & 13, 2021. All current entries will automatically be deferred to the 2021 event and we are working with USA Triathlon on the Regional Championship determination. 

My decision has not come easily and as a Race Director this is absolutely not the conclusion I wanted to come to.  After weeks of studying trends, speaking to other event organizers, listening to USAT’s direction, examining other events' rescheduled, studying our local community calendars, considering volunteer safety and most importantly the needs and safety of our athletes I have decided that this is the decision that is in the best interest of all concerned. 

Personally, as a Race Director for one major event, I am heart broken to have made this decision. I hold full responsibility for this decision and pledge to you that our team is working harder than ever to bring everything we can to make 2021 the best Heartland Triathlon ever!

Please do not hesitate to message me if you have any questions or concerns and please stay safe as we work through this epidemic towards a brighter future."

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Celebrating 15 years of racing in Central Florida, join us for the 2020 Heartland Triathlon, featuring Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon, duathlon and aquabike! SUPER EARLY BIRD pricing is in effect with lower prices throughout. We can't wait to see you again!! Thank you all who attended and made 2019 such a fun, successful event!

You’ll come for the fast-paced Heartland Triathlon, but you could end up staying for the slower-paced quality of life that is Sebring and surrounding areas.

The heart of Heartland Triathlon weekend is City Pier at 315 W. Center St. in Sebring. Nestled among Altvater Cultural Complex, Highlands Little Theatre, Sebring Public Library, Sebring Historical Society and Sebring Civic Center, the transition area parallels Lakeview Drive and is accompanied by an expo representing multi-sport interests.

On the bike, our triathletes get a taste of our rural lifestyle as their ride takes them from Sebring’s center and circumnavigates Lake Jackson clockwise bringing them to U.S. 27 then back onto Lakeview Drive then further north through the citrus groves that breathed life into Highlands County. A brief ride up “killer hill” as our amateurs affectionately dubbed it in 2006 and the cyclists return south toward Lake Jackson for the fast ride to T2.

With helmets off and visors/hats on, the running leg provides the final kick through Sebring’s historic and beautiful downtown include the famous Circle Park that is the epicenter of Sebring. Runners coming down Center Street into the  finish line chute are greeted with cheering crowds and one of the best emcees in the business to call out their bib number, or even their name.

As Highlands County’s geographic center, Sebring is the county’s largest community, boasting attractions such as Sebring International Raceway, Military Sea Services Museum, Children’s Museum of Highlands County and more.To the north, Avon Park’s attractions include recreation opportunities at Avon Park Air Force Bombing Range ( for civilians, active duty and retired military) and Avon Park’s Depot Museum is a popular attraction with residents. Lake Placid, about 15 minutes south of Sebring, is known as the Caladium Capital of the world but is also loved as the Town of Murals. Lake Placid is home to Lake Istokpoga, Florida’s fifth largest freshwater lake.

All three of Highlands’ bigger communities are known for the down-home downtown “Main Street, Anywhere, USA” feel, from historic architecture to friendly faces and warm welcomes.
 
Local cyclists, runners and swimmers consider themselves fortunate, if not privileged, to reside in what is slowly emerging as the new Mecca for individual, outdoor recreational pursuits.  Less traffic means safer roads for cycling and running. In addition, a recreation trail of more than 13 miles circumnavigates Sebring’s Lake Jackson (in which you’ll begin your favorite triathlon or aquabike) and extends west across U.S. 27 to Highlands Hammock State Park. Don’t even get us started on the lakes … too many to list!