IRONMAN: Cheer the fans, volunteers

As an out-of-town participant in Ironman, I would like to express my gratitude to the city of Coeur d’Alene for your gracious hospitality, unreserved enthusiasm and unparalleled support. Your volunteers and residents went above and beyond the call of duty on race day. As we all know, the heat on race day was indescribable. I along with the athletes with me on the course were suffering in that heat. I have to assume that the volunteers were as well, but you would never have known it from their cheerful, intuitive and unwavering support at the aid stations.

From the volunteers, to the fans out on remote parts of 95 and the hill on Lake Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, to the residents along the run course who were at the ready with hoses, sprinklers and ice, I could not have finished the race without the support of your city. And I don’t know a single participant who hasn’t said the same.

ALISON FREEMAN

Louisville, Colo.