2023 Ironman Canada-Penticton canceled

Citing the ongoing wildfire situation in British Columbia's interior and the just enacted province-wide state of emergency and travel restrictions -- the latter to ostensibly free up accommodations for evacuees -- the 2023 Ironman Canada-Penticton, scheduled for next weekend, has been canceled.

The news came in a media release late Saturday afternoon.

"Our continued thoughts are with those that are being affected by the Canadian wildfires," said the release. "We are shocked and saddened to see the level of devastation caused by the wildfires.

"Based on a province wide state of emergency that has been declared in British Columbia along with the order restricting travel to BC's Southern Interior for those travelling for non-essential purposes and seeking temporary accommodation, we regret to share that the 2023 IRONMAN Canada-Penticton triathlon scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 27, 2023 has been cancelled for the safety of all involved."

Through no fault of its own, Ironman Canada has had a tough go since its celebrated move back to Penticton (from Whistler) in 2019. The official announcement came in July of that year at a makeshift podium on Okanagan Lake Beach, in front of a highly excitable crowd.

But the first of the new batch of Ironman,s set to go in the summer of 2020, was waylaid by COVID. As was the 2021 edition after that.

Finally, in 2022, Penticton got to revel in the Ironman spirit -- and in its hospitality industry revenue. It was a good day.

But now we'll have to wait 'til 2024, at the earliest, for a repeat. That’s three out of four years it's been wiped out since the Penticton reboot.

"While it will be disappointing to the athletes who have trained so hard, I know they will understand the decision to cancel this year’s Ironman event is the right one to make," said Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield. "The need to support those who have been so severely impacted by the ongoing wildfire situation needs to take precedence.

"We have seen conditions change dramatically – almost hour by hour – and all resources need to be directed towards keeping our communities safe."

All registered 2023 Ironman athletes, says the release, will receive an "email with further information."

If any athlete has questions and/or concerns, it is suggested they contact [email protected].

We'll update this story if needed.