A Sampling of the Testimonials from the 2007 Race:*

J. Cavanaro:
My family and I have had the great benefit of competing in the sport of Triathlon for nearly twenty years in races throughout the country.  I can honestly say that Sunday’s premier event in Cohasset was one of the finest, safest, well organized races I have ever competed in.  The fact that Bill Burnett and his Team of tireless volunteers were able to put on an event of that size and quality in the first year of its operation speaks volumes of Bill’s dedication to not only the charity for which the race benefits, but to every competitor that marked their body with a race number on Sunday morning.  The helpful signage…the defective pavement markings…the railroad coverings...the shallow, close-to-shore swim course…the extensive Police Details…the enthusiastic crowd support and picturesque course layout…the multiple Water stops and Aid stations….all made up a terrific, safe and competitive race.  All of the hard work and tremendous sacrifice that Bill and his team of volunteers made to allow hundreds of athletes to do what they love best…chase their dreams.

M. Sheridan:
While I was anxious about this upcoming event, my fears were assuaged as I biked into Sandy Beach 7:00 Sunday morning and greeted by calm and collective staff running the event.  From volunteers helping me plug my handlebars to people taking my empty water bottles it was a day to remember.  The Cohasset crowds were great cheering me on and the police did a great job directing traffic.  The event was extremely well run, all operations were so smooth, the volunteers were extremely helpful and the music lifted my spirits.  While I have been running for about 30 years, the Cohasset Triathlon was my first triathlon and will not be my last.  It reminded me of my first Boston Marathon back in the early 80s, which inspired my running for the next 25 years.  I may not have 25 years of triathlons in me but for the near future, I’ll be participating in these events.  Can’t wait for next year’s Cohasset Triathlon!!

R. Simms, M.D.:
: I’m writing to say what a terrific event Bill Burnett put on. Both my wife and I completed it and had a great time for a good cause.  I have participated in over 60 triathlons spanning 10+ years and I can say unequivocally that this was one of the best organized and safest I have competed in. 

C. O'Callaghan:
There are many people who have ideas and few, like Bill Burnett who have the talent, energy and courage to follow through with their vision and execute an event like the Cohasset Triathlon. I witnessed the tremendous amount of time and dedication that Bill offered to create this event for our community. I have a great deal of admiration for his commitment and determination to his dream of holding a triathlon in Cohasset. The event was a huge success for Bill, Cohasset, the over 700 athletes who participated, the volunteers, the spectators and for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

B. Thomas:
I have participated in 40-50 races in my lifetime, including marathons, 10Ks, swimming and Bike Races.  Sunday’s Cohasset Triathlon was by far the best organized, most professionally run event I have ever encountered.  From the start to the finish, there were friendly volunteers at every turn, showing racers the way.  The start/transition areas were well-organized and looked great. On the course, every pothole, bump and crack was clearly marked. There is absolutely nothing I can come up with which could have been organized any better.  It is rare these days that a person selflessly takes on a task for the benefit and enjoyment of others, and sees it through to its completion.  This race raised an incredible amount of money for its charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  This race brought visitors and their dollars to our town merchants, and opened people’s eyes to what a great place Cohasset really is.  Race Director Bill Burnett should be commended for organizing a truly world-class event for our little town.

K. Alemian:
Bill Burnett did an incredible job of organizing it right down to the last detail. For example; The big signs clearly denoting the swim area, and the time between swim groups was intelligently considered so that the water was not to crowded at any given time. A lot of stress was relieved in assigning each athlete his own labeled bike space in the transition area. Volunteers located at key important areas on the bike course were well prepared to caution us and point out the way. Mile markers for the run course allowed us to pace ourselves. Plenty of water was available during the run and some spectators were there to help with water hoses to cool us down if wanted. The website was informative and easy to navigate and the pysch sheet was a great touch.  The pre-race meeting was also informative and appreciated.  My experience with both the volunteers, athletes and officials was one that made me proud to be an athlete and to live in Cohasset. They were considerate, enthusiastic and professional.

B. Wipf:
I want to express my deep appreciation for what Bill Burnett has done for our community. Few events could so effectively showcase all that is so special about our town: its scenic beauty, its energy, and most importantly its camaraderie, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of people that volunteered, cheered, and participated in this first annual event. No one exemplifies these qualities like the tireless, dedicated, and contagiously enthusiastic Bill Burnett. All of us who swam, biked, and ran yesterday are grateful for the spirit of the very few like Bill who selflessly take on such a challenge. Like most of the participants, he was motivated by the fact that this event and its goal (raising money to find a cure for diabetes) really meant something.

J. Lankow:
The race was a great opportunity to challenge yourself as well as bond with other people in town who were competing (or planning to watch and cheer). There was so much buzz and excitement leading up to the race and it was fun to be a part of that. Being able to enjoy and share the sense of accomplishment we all felt afterwards - regardless of our finishing time and place - was great as well. Overall, it truly was fun and I'd say a nice bonding experience for the town that fostered a sense of camaraderie.

C. Downing:
I was proud to participate in and complete Cohasset’s inaugural triathlon as a resident of our small town. The triathlon was a wonderful athletic event highlighting our old-fashioned common, scenic coastline and quaint Sandy Beach. The day was perfect and I thank all race organizers, volunteers, sponsors, emergency personnel and supporters who made the entire event such an overwhelming success

D. Haver:
I got goosebumps when I entered the water for the Cohasset Tri, not because the water was cold, but because the event was such a showcase for what makes us love this town: geographical beauty, camaraderie, and a desire to make a difference in our world and in ourselves. The race brought me closer to friends and neighbors as we trained together in the weeks prior, and to friends and neighbors who gave of their time to volunteer or line the course to cheer us on race day. 

 W. Fox:
It was so great to see so many people from different perspectives come together and execute such a great event.  This was a truly grass-roots driven affair that created a buzz in the across the south shore and echoed by the 700+ participants on race day.  As the course dipped into all three towns, the supporters in Hull, Cohasset and Scituate were behind everyone and made the day that much more enjoyable.  Three cheers to Bill Burnett, the town and volunteer crew that made this happen.

* Source: Cohasset Mariner