Wildfires Force IM Canada Cancellation

IRONMAN has cancelled IRONMAN Canada, scheduled to take place next weekend, due to the ongoing threat of wildfires that have raged all summer long.

In a statement, IRONMAN noted that the current state of emergency in British Columbia, as well as restrictions on non-essential travel and accommodations, required them to act. Registered participants will be offered a suite of deferral and transfer options; the note indicates that IRONMAN plans on hosting the race in Penticton in 2024.

The state of emergency across the entirety of the province was issued on Friday as multiple fires burned out of control, including the McDougall Creek fire, burning outside the city of Kelowna and just 60 kilometers to the north of Penticton. Fires in British Columbia have scorched an area approximately the size of New York State. And total fire volume in British Columbia accounts for over a third of Canada's currently burning 1,062 fires.

Julius Bloomfield, Mayor of Penticton, said, "While it will be disappointing to the athletes who have trained so hard, I know they will understand the decision to cancel this year’s IRONMAN event is the right one to make. The need to support those who have been so severely impacted by the ongoing wildfire situation needs to take precedence. The unpredictability of the fires means the province needs to have maximum flexibility to ensuring the proper supports are available to those who need them. We have seen conditions change dramatically – almost hour by hour – and all resources need to be directed towards keeping our communities safe."

It is the second high-profile Canadian race that IRONMAN has been forced to cancel due to the wildfires. In June, IRONMAN 70.3 Mont-Tremblant was postponed on race morning due to air quality concerns from wildfire smoke. That race is happening this weekend, coinciding with the final edition of the full-distance race there.

Image: Courtesy of British Columbia Wildfire Service