IRONMAN Group CEO Andrew Messick yesterday issued a video message about the company’s ability to organise races around the world this year.
In the 4:26 YouTube video he noted that IRONMAN’s ability to host races comes down to a series of factors:
- What’s happening with the virus;
- What’s happening with vaccinations;
- What’s happening with travel restrictions; and
- What is the appetite of host communities to welcome athletes, volunteers and staff.
He pointed out that these factors differ in virtually every country, state and territory around the world. IRONMAN’s focus is on making races happen, but it can’t always do that.
“We’ve already seen Oceanside has moved to October. We’ve moved the Absa Cape Epic and IRONMAN African Championships. We think that many of the races, early season in Europe, are going to be moved to later in the year,” Messick said.
“Many of our larger running events in North America are going to be moved to later in the year. But we make those decisions only when we feel like we have exhausted every opportunity to make those races happen. We wait until we have no alternative; until we’re certain that races can’t happen before we enact a postponement.
“We hear the feedback. You’d like more lead-time between when a race is supposed to happen and when we’re forced to move it. We’re sensitive to [this] and we appreciate it. At the same time, our fundamental view is that if we can make an event happen we want to.”
He added that there will be continued uncertainty in the short term, and asked the athlete community to… “maintain focus, maintain discipline, and put yourself in a position that, when we’re able to safely conduct events again, you’re ready….
“Until then, good luck. I can’t wait to see you at the races later this year.”
