It's all suddenly happening, very, very fast.
This morning, PentictonNow received a media advisory from "Ironman Public Relations" discussing the much anticipated press conference and announcement scheduled for tomorrow regarding "future plans for Ironman in Penticton."
Given that the advisory includes plans for a four-hour "Community Celebration Event" that'll run on both sides of tomorrow's announcement, it's highly likely that we're less than 24 hours from seeing official word on the 2020 return of Ironman Canada to Penticton, though PentictonNow has not received confirmation.
Just four hours later, triathlon news of a different sort when we spoke with a registered competitor in this year's Super League Triathlon, scheduled for August 23rd to 25th.
Competitor Dallas Tkachuk of Edmonton, Alberta, told us he'd just received communication announcing the cancelation of the event.
We've since seen that communication. It says, in part, "Athletes, we regret to inform you that Super League Triathlon Penticton 2019 has been canceled. Due to the current triathlon landscape in Penticton and recent announcements, it is no longer viable for us to produce the event."
It goes on to say that registered competitors have three options. They may obtain a refund within 60 days, "roll" their registration to the "Sprint" or "Enduro" events "happening in Ottawa on August 3-4th, 2019," or "roll" their spot "into the 2020 Super League Ottawa event."
It is signed "Team Super League Triathlon."
PentictonNow has been unable to confirm anything beyond this, though we have checked the Super League Triathlon Penticton website and found it inactive beyond the splash page.
The Penticton connection has not gone well for the Super League Triathlon. The inaugural event in August of last year was at first hampered, then wiped out completely by heavy wildfire smoke. And now, in the face of what certainly seems to be the return of Ironman, this.
Meanwhile, tomorrow's Ironman announcement at Rotary Park is full steam ahead. The formal part of the program goes at 5:15 p.m. and will feature Ironman announcer Dave Downey as emcee and a trio of VIPs, including Ironman VP of Operations for North America Philip LaHae, Subaru Canada's Dave Forrest, and Penticton mayor John Vassilaki.
The "Community Celebration Event" will feature "live music, a free barbecue, a beverage garden, and games for all ages." It kicks off at 4 p.m.
No word yet if we'll finally get a reason for losing Ironman in the first place.
