The King Fire struck again. This time the smoke from the Northern California fire was the reason many triathletes were extremely frustrated this morning.
The famed Ironman Lake Tahoe triathlon in Lake Tahoe was canceled (Sept. 21) due to smoke that resulted in unhealthy air quality from the King Fire that has been raging for more than a week.
The second annual Ironman Lake Tahoe Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe operations manager Keats McGonigal said the mood was “somber” when the decision was announced, just prior to the swimming portion of the Ironman. The King Fire has covered more than 128 square miles some 60 miles east of Sacramento.
There were more than 3,000 entrants, as well as spectators and volunteers set to experience an even that runs throughout the day and into the evening. There were no plans to reschedule the Ironman Lake Tahoe Triathlon.
World Triathlon Corp. says the cancellation followed recommendations from California and PlacerCounty health officials. PlacerCounty air pollution officer Tom Christofk said in a statement that sensors in Squaw Valley, TahoeCity, KingsBeach and Truckee recorded high levels of particulate matter.
In addition to the 140.6 mile race, the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe triathlon was to take place concurrently with the Ironman Lake Tahoe triathlon. This would have been the first time an Ironman 70.3 triathlon and Ironman triathlon will be held on the same day in the same venue in North America.
Lake Tahoe’s Ironman triathlon is arguably one of the most challenging races in the world. Not only are Lake Tahoe competitors racing at over 6,000 feet above sea level, they must also push through 8,000 feet of climbing during the 112-mile bike course, in addition to the 2.4-mile swim and 26.2-mile marathon race.
Both the Ironman Lake Tahoe Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 Lake Tahoe triathlon courses were scheduled to wind through Tahoe City, Truckee and Squaw Valley, with the race beginning on the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. The Village at Squaw Valley was the ultimate location for fans and spectators, hosting the transition between the bike course and the run, as well as the finish for both races.
