Ironman officials have canceled the swimming portion of Sunday’s race due to unsafe swimming conditions in the Tennessee River expected on race day.
The flow rate in the river is forecasted to exceed 50,000 cubic feet per second, making it unsafe to swim, organizers said on social media, and safety assets would not be able to maintain their positions to monitor and support athletes. The typical rate is 20,000 cubic feet per second, the post said.
The decision was made in conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Authority, National Weather Service and Hamilton County Emergency Management, as well as the race organizers.
Now, the race will begin at 7:10 a.m. with the bike time trial, and the transition area will open at 5:30 a.m. The World Championship slots will still be awarded, and age group raking points will still be awarded, based on athletes’ bike and run times.
— Compiled by Kailee Shores