THOUSANDS of competitors who have trained for months for the 2020 Ironman Australia race in Port Macquarie in May will not go beyond the starting line after organisers made the tough decision to cancel this year's race.
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The decision was made on March 17 by Ironman Australia to cancel the premier triathlon event and the 70.3 race scheduled to be held in Port Macquarie on May 3.
The 70.3 race was a sell-out for the fourth straight year while the full event was close to setting a participation record.
The three-day triathlon festival in Port Macquarie also includes a Bright Night community fundraising fun run and IronKids mini triathlon supported by hundreds of volunteers.
The event is a platform for professional athletes to earn a spot in the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i.
Organisers said the decision was based on recommendations by health authorities amidst worldwide precautionary measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
"We are committed to the safety and well-being of everyone in our race community," the Ironman Australia statement read.
"We have been following and will continue to follow the recommendations of public health agencies and local authorities.
"At this time, we can confirm that the 2020 IRONMAN Australia and IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie will not take place as planned on May 3, 2020.
"We are working diligently to secure venues and a new race date."
We want to reassure participants and communities that the health and well-being of our community is our primary concern.
- Craig Heydon
Last week, the Oceania group issued a statement saying COVID-19 had "substantially altered" the global sports landscape.
Communications and media director Oceania, Craig Heydon, said the organisation would take all necessary precautions for athletes and residents in host communities.
"COVID-19 has substantially altered the global sports landscape and will have material impact on the mass participation industry in the immediate term," he said.
"We want to reassure participants and communities that the health and well-being of our community is our primary concern."
My Heydon said the decision to postpone the event is made in consultation with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the Ironman Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety.
