Ironman swim change will affect Tahoe event
By Michael Buteau, Bloomberg
World Triathlon Corp., the owner of the sport’s Ironman-branded events, is making changes to the swim portion of select races after an increase in competitor deaths in recent years.
Events in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Lake Placid, N.Y.; and Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, will no longer feature a mass swim start format, eliminating a long-standing Ironman tradition. Athletes at those races will either enter the water in a continuous stream through an access point, with their time starting when they cross a timing mat, or in staggered waves based on their age group.
Ironman is making changes to swim starts. Photo/Brad Pederson
The changes come two months after Ross Ehlinger, a 46-year-old man from Austin died during the swim portion of the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and nine months after Andy Naylor, a 43-year-old member of the Hong Kong Police Force, died near the conclusion of the 2.4-mile swim portion of the New York City Ironman. In 2011, two competitors died during the swim portion of the Olympic-distance New York City Triathlon.
All North American Ironman events will also include a pre-race, in-water warm-up when possible. In addition, if the water temperature is below 52 degrees or above 88 on race day, the swim portion will be canceled or shortened, World Triathlon said in a statement May 9.
The Coeur d’Alene and Lake Placid races will feature the rolling start process, while Mont-Tremblant will begin in age-group waves entering the water every five minutes.
Events in Lake Tahoe (Sept. 22) and Panama City, Fla., will alter their mass swim start, with seeding into corrals based on the competitor’s estimated swim finish time.
USA Triathlon, the governing body for the sport in the U.S., released a study in October that found 30 of 43 athlete fatalities in triathlons from 2003 through 2011 happened during the swim portion. The study found most triathlon-related deaths were caused by sudden cardiac incidents and that course conditions didn’t play a role.
All swim courses will now include numbered buoys to assist in locating and helping distressed swimmers. Anchored rafts, as well as an increased number of rescue boats, kayaks and in-water personnel, will be included along the courses. Competitors who use the rafts to rest won’t be disqualified, World Triathlon said.
The swim changes will also include educating athletes about reducing anxiety, including pre-race screening for potential health issues, pre-race training and race-week preparation.
I’ve heard that IRON GIRL will not be back to South Tahoe this year. Anyone know why?
To Tahoeavocate,
Yes. Money is why the Iron Girl doesn’t return.
The Iron Girl received financial support from the LTVA for the past 3 years in a declining revenue stream. When it got to zero, they pulled out.
The Iron Man in Tahoe City which will be the weekend before the Lake Tahoe Marathon received, I heard, about $300,000 from the North Lake Tahoe Resort Assn.
These out of town promoters don’t come unless they are subsidized by the locality.
How much was spent to get the Tour of California here? How much is spent to get the Celebrity Golf Tournament here?
The LTVA and the NTRA weigh the costs and the TV benefits in guiding their promotion budgets.
If the LTVA or the NTRA cut funding for their featured events they would be gone in a flash as well.
Speaking for the Lake Tahoe Marathon and the South Tahoe Girls Basketball Tournament we receive zero from the LTVA. But do get their support on the event calendar and advice.
I doubt if local Curtis Fong’s Bike races receive anything either. Ditto the Boys High School Basketball Summer Basketball Shoot Out either. Ditto the local youth Come Up for Air Soccer tournament varies volleyball tournaments, softball tournaments.
Again speaking for the Lake Tahoe Marathon, we will bring as many competitors to the Lake as the Iron Man in Tahoe City, but without the TV exposure.
Curtis Fong’s two Bike Rides around Lake Tahoe bring more. The Death Ride in Markleville has big numbers as well. Each has as many competitors as the Iron Man.
The Roll n Roll Marathon in San Diego has evolved into a 30 event, now international, series. To get them to come to your city and put on a marathon you have to pay them 6 or 7 figure money.
I’m very envious.
PS. We are always looking for volunteers for the 18th version of the 3 day Lake Tahoe Marathon. Thanks to the volunteers the non-profit LTM is able to continue each year.
I think the South Shore community owes citizens like Les Wright(my daughters’ B-Ball coach and teacher 30 yrs. ago, sorry Les :) ) and Curtis Fong a huge debt of gratitude. It’s refreshing to see that some people don’t put their personal gain and selfish money-grubbing before all else.
Les- I have enjoyed your Marathon events as well as the Iron Girl. Too bad they only came if paid.
Any way to get Reno and Sacramento TV interested in your great week?
Too bad South Lake Tahoe did not snag this Ironman!! average income of an IM athlete is $180,000. Lots of discretionary income to be spent!!