National Harbor 70.3 called off

A highly anticipated race serving the Chesapeake triathlon community has been canceled effective today. The inaugural National Harbor 70.3, due to take place on the 5th of August, 2012, has been canceled by its producer, Washington Sports & Event Management (WSEM).

This is the second high-profile race WSEM has canceled this year. The DC Triathlon, to have been held June 17th upcoming, was also called off. Both events were a part of national series' owned by World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the Ironman brand of endurance events. The DC Triathlon was a part of the 5150 series.

WSEM's flagship race, the Nation's Triathlon—often called the largest single triathlon in the United States—was sold earlier this year to Competitor Group, producer of Rock & Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon, as well as the TriRock triathlon series. Did the sale of Nation's Tri have anything to do with the cancellation of races that were part of rival Ironman's national series? Categorically not, according to WSEM's founder and chief executive Charles Brodsky.

While the reason for the cancellation is not clear, the remedy for athletes who've entered is. WSEM has sent an email blast to all entered athletes, advising them a full refund will be tendered.

Further, the e-blast referenced offers from Ironman to enter certain 70.3 events at a discount, to take some of the sting off the inability to race an event many had been eagerly anticipating.

Because WTC licensed the race and is not its owner, WTC did not cancel the race. Nevertheless, the discounted entries offered is WTC's remedy. The list of races at which discounts are offered is below:

• Ironman 70.3 Mooseman – Newfound Lake, NH – Sunday, June 3
• Ironman 70.3 Boise – Boise, Idaho – Saturday, June 9
• Ironman 70.3 Kansas – Lawrence, KS – Sunday, June 10
• Ironman 70.3 Syracuse – Syracuse, NY – Sunday, June 24
• Ironman 70.3 Muncie – Muncie, IN – Saturday, July 7
• Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island – Providence, RI – Sunday, July 8
• Ironman 70.3 Racine – Racine, WI – Sunday, July 15
• Ironman 70.3 Timberman – Gilford, NH – Sunday, Aug. 19
• Ironman 70.3 Steelhead – Benton Harbor, MI – Sunday, Aug. 19
• Ironman 70.3 Muskoka – Huntsville, ON (Canada) – Sunday, Sept. 9
• Ironman 70.3 Augusta – Augusta, GA – Sunday, Sept. 30
• Ironman 70.3 Austin – Austin, Texas – Sunday, Oct. 28