My hope is 50-50, but reality slim to none!

The surest bet is that you won't find out until October :)

---

808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

That might be too soon...I'd guess they will have the "official announcement" that first week in November.

I read the governor declared AZ open for pro sports this week. That’s not the same as having a 2500 person race, but it seems that nutty states like AZ will be the first to allow these events.

I'm pretty sure that's spectator free though.
Didn't read the announcement yet.

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

By the time November comes around, we are all likely to be enduring another shelter inlace order...

#truth

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

Zero.zero percent

Maybe, i'm not 100% sure of the local politic...but as a canadian, it's very unlikely that i will be able to travel there

(I'm expecting that either the Fed, the Province or my employer will impose a quarantine for anyone travelling to the US until their is a vaccine)

I would guess that 90% us will be bankrupt and unemployed by November if things are not back to normal by then.

IMAZ will be the least of our worries.

Highly likely. Pools were authorized to open yesterday. Gyms open on Monday.

I'm registered for it. Also expect Ironman Florida to occur as well. The races that seem touch and go right now are those in late Summer depending on what state they're in.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Such doom and gloom. Uninspiring...

---

------------------
http://dontletitdefeatyou.blogspot.com

Part of me hopes so. It is my A race for the year and will be my first 140.6. I'm still training like it will happen, but with reduced swimming (obviously).

At the same time, it's difficult to say from an organizational standpoint, with so many people unable to swim currently to train, at what point is it a liability putting athletes in the water? Also what is the likelihood that whatever new rules/laws local governments put in place regarding people gathering in large groups will play an impact in bringing 2500+ people together at the race site? What if athletes simply don't feel personally safe in that kind of environment?

If they hold the race, will they allow athletes to defer/transfer based on those reasons, or others that are Covid-19 related? I think unfortunately it's just still too far away to know anything for sure.

---

💀 Fxck Cancer Endurance Team 💀
⚡️⚡️ PLUSH Global ⚡️⚡️

Don't get me wrong, I hope we can *safely* gather and race IMAZ too! It is my A race and had my eyes on a PR!

Pools were authorized to open yesterday in Arizona? Really?

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

What is dangerous about a pool opening? I never understood pools fully closing. Just restrict/limit access, no locker rooms, and enforce 1 person/lane.

Me neither. Was just wondering where the pools are opening up. Kinda envious :)

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

I’m with Jake here as this is my A race, and first 140.6, for 2020 with DSM 70.3, now 10/4, as my B race. Fairly bullish that IMAZ will go off unless there’s some level of Federal mandate to say otherwise. I will say Thank God that IM DSM was postponed as just did my first swim (lake) in 10 weeks and I’ll just say I have some work ahead of me. Be Well and Stay Safe all.

H4L

Yes they were. It was announced on Tuesday. The pool in my community was opened on Wednesday. I expect we'll start seeing moves from municipality owned pools to start opening next week, don't expect locker rooms though. I just checked, Scottsdale pools open on 26 MAY.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I just don’t understand people sometimes...

---

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

Wow. That's great news.

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Just out of curiosity (as someone who doesn't live there) what is the general feeling there about business opening up/people gathering? I only ask because while 1) pools opening there helps folks there, but not the rest of the country that may be closed, and 2) a pool with limited access is a lot different than putting 2500 people in transition/swim start.

Awesome your pools are opening up though!

---

💀 Fxck Cancer Endurance Team 💀
⚡️⚡️ PLUSH Global ⚡️⚡️

What, that someone asked for people's opinion and I gave mine?

What troubles you about that?

Sorry wasn't aware you got your inspiration from someone you've never met on the internet. /shrug

I know some people, a very, very few who are ready to head out to a restaurant or bar. The 95+% of people I know here in AZ are taking a wait and see approach or just saying no completely.

The problem with the IMAZ transition area is it's limited in space. You need to space out all the port o johns, you can't (at least not right now) have a queue of people for the swim start. That's a line 15000 feet long or 5000 yards which is just under 3 miles. You're only going to be able to put 3 maybe 4 bikes per rack instead of 6. You're going to need a lot more transition area.
The first loop on the bike is packed with people heading out the beeline. WTC is going to have to police like they've never policed before to keep people 6 feet apart. I mean can you see them actually doing that? That's going to be 100's of penalties. Wait I see a silver lining in the pandemic!

Now there is a large non US contingent of people that do that race and they may not be able to make the trip. Take out say 600 people and your logistics suddenly became a bit easier.

Logistically though on first glance I don't see how they can do it with 2500 people. I also don't understand why the S&P 500 isn't around or below it's 52 week low of 2100. \_O_/

---

Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

no, you're totally right. It's everyone else that I don't understand.

---

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

I live in AZ. I took my wife out to a restraunt on may 11 place was sold out had to have a reservation. Pool opened today so back to lap swimming. As far as AZ Ironman happening I’d say maybe, to probably, to who knows.

It’s all personal opinions of course.
But I’ve registered as well, so have interest in it happening.

I think that if what we know now is all there is to know about rona, then no. There will be openings, another death wave and closings again.

But there is so much we don’t know about rona. May be something comes up and November will be safe.

I have heard from a very well connected Arizona triathlete, and she said that it will not be happening.... or that’s where she would place her bet

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http://www.TriScottsdale.org

If so, why hasn't she cancelled it?


As more blood samples get tested, we're finding out this was here in the early winter and as early as the late fall. It is more than likely this virus was in Arizona before the last IMAZ race.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

She doesn’t have the power, well maybe she does. She is not the RD

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

I was planning on IM COZ in 2020. A lot will change in 6 months, but the future is an absolute unknown. November could be calm with a shit show in Dec... or not. Learning to love training without that goal race is Key for me right now.

As of today, IMAZ 70.3 appears to still be on the glide path based on the email that was just sent out.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

What does the email say?

IMAZ is still on the Tempe list of scheduled events found on the permitting site for the city...

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Very interesting.

Still keeping my expectations totally low, but this is a bit of good news.

Hehe, interesting to read my own opinions from May.
Now in September we DID learn something new about Rona. There WAS the second wave, but NO new closings. I guess people just really don't care much. I approve cosmic nihilism!

My current (updated) personal predictions: Rona death tax will become the new normal and IMAZ will happen.

However now I have a feeling my wife is going to execute veto power and don't let us use hotels/flights to actually go to Tempe.

I think this is the most relevant information. As stated in another thread, 70.3 & 140.6 race take a huge number of volunteers. In many cases, these races require more volunteers than actual racers. I think the lack of volunteers is going to cause race cancellations that otherwise would go on.

---

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

Cases have been steadily declining, so if they can keep this up, would not be surprised if that is a race. Though the number of cases in AZ were over 1,000 for the first time in 3 weeks yesterday, so let's hope this is not the 3rd wave.

Haven't heard any more about the bridge collapse, assuming this won't be an issue if the race can go ahead?

On the downside IM never seems to cancel their races until the permits are pulled, so it is possible that it's only a matter of time before this happens!

What’s happening at ASU this semester? It would seem like that situation would inform the local decision making process.

ASU is running FTF classes and online. Most students were given the option. Covid data so far has not resulted in any change in plans for fall teaching.

The odds of IM Arizona happening are very low.

---

Andrew Inkpen

https://www.azcentral.com/...covid-19/5713376002/

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Not really that relevant until it is. ASU is continuing to press forward with in person classes and thousands in the dorms.

What is relevant as far as the course is concerned, I drove by the bridge today and road is still closed. Supposeduly Union Pacific owes Tempe an environmental report but I'm not sure that's the case because trains have been running back on the bridge for several weeks. I think there is road damage that hasn't been worked on. But the amount of space that is closed off is interesting, but the lake path is open to run on and the lake is also open. So at a minimum there will need to be a course change for the bike right now. Also the construction on the local trolley route hasn't finished which goes along at least two miles of the bike course.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

So far right now.

Tri-Family racing has approved permits for their races, but have a current participant cap of 50. 4 Peaks does not have an approved permit yet for Castle Creek Tri, but it is on the glide path, but I believe they're trying to have a higher participant cap for that race.

Where it gets interesting is as of today the 2020 Scottsdale Half Marathon and the 3TV Phoenix Half Marathon have now gone virtual. Why this matters, Scottsdale Half + 5k Usually runs around 1500 participants. 3TV Phoenix Half/10k/5k normally has 2200+ entries across all three race options. IMAZ and IMAZ 70.3 in the 2k-2500ish participants range.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

thanks for this update. very interesting. i've always thought that tri would be easier to social distance than a running event, esp. at the start, but i'm sure many municipal officials will simply lump them together in their minds as a "race".

as a registered IMAZ athlete, i haven't given up totally. I know it's a long shot at this point, and not only do i hope the race can happen, i would only do it if I felt it was a safe environment for all...that being said, the fact that 3 IM-branded races happened this past weekend in europe was a big domino. some IM-branded race or races had to be the "first" to happen in the COVID era. allegedly tallin had something like 1500 participants? Is that true? Hopefully those races were successful in terms of being safe (not just for the race participants, but for those communities altogether) and maybe can be something to learn from in terms of developing/furthering a safe racing environment for all, which could extend to north america.

So I looked at the race results

70.3 Gdynia 1050 Registrants, 688 Finishers, a handful of DNFs and over 300 DNS

140.6 Tallinn 805 Registrants, 667 Finishers, a couple handfuls of DNFs, and 150ish DNS
70.3 Tallinn 688 Registrants, 520 Finishers, 1 DNF, 167 DNS

70.3 Les Sables 1538 Registrants, 1175 Finishers, Handful of DNFs, around 350 DNS

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Apples and oranges.

Estonia: population 1.3 million - 2585 covid cases, 64 deaths
Arizona: population 7.3 million - 206,000 cases, 5,221 deaths

Estonia had a testing requirement for athletes coming from certain countries and some athletes were not allowed to race.

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Andrew Inkpen

I seems like the same song and dance we got with St. George, everyone "really wanting it to happen", until it doesn't. I guess I just choose to be disappointed anymore.

Maybe I'm wrong, I mean eventually there will be a race, I mean there has to be a first..

Eventually we will without a doubt have IM racing again. I just don’t think it will be until next spring/summer at the earliest in North America. I’d love to be wrong about that.

Honestly, there would a better chance of a race gaining approval right now. Numbers are at their likely low point for the rest of the year and much better than they will be 1.5 to 2.5 months from now when the TX/AZ/FL races are scheduled. Numbers are inevitably going to rise as schools and colleges/universities opened, and Labor Day weekend jackassery just finished. Anyone that thinks otherwise is clueless.

As much as people may want to discount it, the problems Baylor and ASU are having are going to cause problems for those four races. Add the stupidity of the Big12 going ahead with football season, and all the shenanigans that go with it, and I just can’t see how Waco 70.3 and IMTX happen the third weekend in October. 🤷‍♂️

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Baylor has much bigger problems than ASU. 807 positives at ASU in a student population of 74,500. Baylor has had 897 positives since August 1 in a student population of about 18,000.

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Andrew Inkpen

So far from reported data, there are zero hospitalizations of college students that have been reported as infected. I don't think we can really call either of those issues. Baylor actually put a lot of work into their mitigation plan.

Now, for IMAZ relevant items. I drove by along the 202, it appears the run path under the rail bridge is actually closed in addition to Rio Salado being closed as I reported last week. When I get some time I'll go over there and get a closer look.

When it comes to events, another domino has fallen. Phoenix Turkey Trot has now gone virtual. By comparison, I'd say that WACO and Florida will be the races that go off in the US for the rest of 2020. Based on how things are going we may only see one or two running races and only a few "small" tris in the Phoenix area.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Just a point of clarification - there is an IM race that is going to be held in North America (Cozumel 70.3) in 2 weeks. I assume you meant in the United States or Canada?

Wasn't Galveston cancelled 3 days before the race?

---

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

It was Lubbock and Puerto Rico canceled on super short notice.

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

This, still shocks me how many people don't realize Mexico is in North America. Cozumel half and full will happen.

I’m fully aware Mexico is in North America. 🙄

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Agreed that Cozumel could still be canceled on short notice. And that would be a real shitty thing to do since all participants need to make extensive travel arrangements to get there as you don’t just drive to the race for the weekend.

My guess is the 70.3 will happen and be used to measure the impact Of Covid on the locals vs tourism dollars returning to their economy. If it isn’t a super spread event then the full IM will also be a go in November.

I searched for and found this update on the Tempe town website. Given the info below and pairing that with AZ’s pretty low covid numbers at present, I’m going to start actually prepping for the race ... will know by the 29th, so not a big cost when/if it ultimately gets canceled.

My copy/paste misses the date, but it was 4-sep.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this memo is to update Mayor and Council regarding the status of Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Arizona.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.21 - Achieve ratings of “Very Satisfied” or “Satisfied” with the availability of information about City programs, events, services, and issues greater than or equal to the top 10% of the national benchmark cities as measured in the Community Survey.
OVERVIEW:
Staff is working with the Ironman organization to put together another safe, successful Ironman 70.3 triathlon to take place on Sunday, October 18, 2020. The route for this half-distance Ironman Arizona race is entirely in Tempe; nearly 1,100 athletes are registered to participate.
On Sunday, November 22, 2020, Ironman Arizona will occur in Tempe. Multiple government agencies are involved with the logistics of the event due to its size and scope. Approximately 2,700 athletes are registered to participate.
Due to COVID-19, the number of athletes that will participate in the two Ironman races is expected to be lower than the registered amount.
COVID-19 PLAN:
The Ironman organization has revised their safety plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those revisions include:
• Athletes, only, allowed in designated athlete check-in area;
• All athletes and volunteers will be required to wear face coverings;
• Surfaces in areas of frequent interaction will be cleaned and disinfected regularly;
• Breaks will be scheduled during the athlete check-in process for cleaning and disinfection;
• Distance parameters will be defined with visual indicators such as tape, signage, or stanchions;
• Athlete check-in staff and volunteers will monitor the number of athletes in the registration area to ensure a safe
capacity is not exceeded;
• Hand sanitizer will be available at all check-in and aid station tables;
• Staff and volunteers will be monitored for signs of illness;
• Athlete check-in will have a dedicated entrance and exit to establish one-way flow of pedestrian traffic within the
area.
Shawn Wagner, Community Services Deputy Director, x5299 Linda Cano, Community Services Manager, x5260
September 4, 2020
Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Arizona Update

Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Arizona Update
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
Each government agency involved with Ironman Arizona has given their approval for the race to occur. The Special Events Task Force Committee (SETFC) has reviewed the Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Arizona COVID-19 safety plans. On September 29, the SETFC will issue formal approval of the Ironman 70.3 race; formal approval for the Ironman Arizona race will be issued on October 27. Modifications will be made to the races should federal, state or city guidelines change for large-scale events

---

Dimond Bikes Superfan

Reading that is kind of wild when I see every other type of race around here cancelling. But I guess it's time to start swimming.

ETA: I just looked that up, and printed the memo to PDF. I'm a bit surprised honestly.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Nice information. Can you provide the link to where you found it?

Pages 62-63


https://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=85187

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Well, I’d say there’s ample time for it to be canceled yet. You can’t be surprised if the council or mayor override or something else goes wrong. Additionally, the 70.3 has a lower hurdle than the full because it is completely contained in Tempe. But in any case, it at least seems like they are attempting to have the race.

---

Dimond Bikes Superfan

I hope this doesn't mean during the bike and run?

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

AZ currently has a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people (except for Trump rallies). How do they get around that?

---

Andrew Inkpen

Try wearing a mask during the swim!

---

"Human existence is based upon two pillars: Compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; Knowledge without compassion is inhuman." Victor Weisskopf.

I believe it was covered elsewhere they you can apply for an exception to the 50 person rule if you have a good plan on how you will manage the larger gathering and maintain distancing, etc. Or if it is anything like things here in Seattle you just call it a "protest" and then you can gather as many people as you want.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

My son starts full time in person 2nd grade a week from Monday here in Scottsdale. IMAZ is still 2 months away. If we continue on the current COVID case and infection rate data we will be in great shape by then.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Eric, nice update. Hopefully, you guys and gals get to race both in October and November. 👍👍

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

The fall sport AIA season begins on Wednesday September 30th with Football games and everything else. If fans are allowed at any point of High School Football season, I'd say we have a race. Phoenix Rising is operating with 16% capacity for fans going forward.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

you can pass freely under the bridge on all sections you would normally on the run, at least today you could.

That's good. Now what about the road for the bike section of 70.3?

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

You mean Rio Salado?

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Yes, when I drove by on Monday and Tuesday of last week the roads were still closed.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

FWIW, I don't think you can make these comparisons. Each event is situational, with different actors in decision making authority, and different risk/benefit calculus. I'm still pretty doubtful IMAZ (or the 70.3) will happen, but it seems as if the city is at least going through the motions, so I will too.

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Dimond Bikes Superfan

Along the same line, ASSUMING the event happens, will vendors show up for the trade show and athlete support?

---

💀 Fxck Cancer Endurance Team 💀
⚡️⚡️ PLUSH Global ⚡️⚡️

I have to bail from this one, even if it happens.

Rona finally got me, albeit indirectly. Suddenly I have to go to a 3-week trip where I could barely train right in the middle of the peak season.

Do I understand correctly that I cannot defer IMAZ 2020 to a 2021 race yet? Or can I, but I just have to pay $50?

I deferred my 2020 entry to 2021 a few months ago. Just ask.

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Nice, thank you.
Actually I'd like to get something a bit earlier next year. IM California sounds interesting. I can probably just ask the same email if they can transfer me.

Tough situation for sure. I am pretending the race will happen but like most of us my training is half baked. Ugh I wish they would just give us an answer one way or the other!

Bookmark the Community Special Events Task Force page. Sept. 29th they will announce plans for 70.3, Oct. 27 for IM. Not Ironman's call at this point.

Highly unlikely.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Not likely. You will have to register for IMAZ for next year, and then go through the transfer process to another race assuming that race has been open for registration at least 10 days and has spots left.

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

So, as mentioned earlier by jkhayc that the path along the lake was open this weekend. I drove during lunch to Rio Salado, the road is now open. Fences, cranes, backhoes, etc are all gone from the area. So it won't be Union Pacific holding up the race at this point.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

So... 4 Peaks Racing permit for Castle Creek Tri has been approved. But ummm

Self-Supported and no medals.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I wonder if lack of volunteers might be the thing that keeps these events from happening? IMAZ literally has hundreds of spots that still need to be filled, and this is a race that never seems to lack an adequate number of people willing to help if for no other reason than to get into the race the next year.

---

Jim Manton / ERO Sports

AZ also means a lot of travel for a lot of participants or volunteers. It’s not in a densely populated part of the country. I’m not sure people are eager to fly or hop in a car for 8 hours.

Still feels too soon for large events like this in the US.

Based on my experience volunteering there for 2 years they can easily do with 1/2 of the volunteers, at least at the aid stations. Lots of locals people would probably welcome an opportunity to be out and about if given a chance to.

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Don't most people self support on a sprint and oly?

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

Bike yes, I think the two to three water stations on the run though.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Nope. Nothing as per their website. Except you get to pay the same prices as normal.....

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

He was stating what is normal for the tri........not what is changed due to COVID.

---

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

Context is everything lol..... yea I get that now

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

"Effective June 29, 2020, even if appropriate physical distancing is possible, organized events of more than 50 people are prohibited."

This is all you need to know, everything else is political pandering, lies, bullshit, and a charade to get you to believe there will be a race to get you to sign up for even more races. How anyone can convince themselves otherwise is beyond me.

You'll probably be proven correct in the end, but nonetheless you trimmed off the second sentence of the order, which seems relevant . . .

The Executive Order enables local governing jurisdictions, such as the city, town or county, to approve events on the condition of meeting certain safety precautions, such as physical distancing.

---

Dimond Bikes Superfan

My friend's kid played a baseball tournee in Scottsdale over the weekend (https://admin.tourneymachine.com/...5544908c0de37987664a). 50 teams participated, 15-20 kids on each team+accompanying parents. From they told me, C19 restrictions were very loosely enforced.

Take for what it is worth. If IMAZ 2020 gets cancelled, it is likely because WTC decided not to run it.

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

This was sent out to the Captains for the volunteer groups yesterday. The Race Director also put out a call for volunteers a few days ago. I’m sure the final decision will still be 9/29, but preparations for the 70.3 continue.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Not that one has much to do with the other, other than the noted increase in positive testing as a result of an upward trend

But AZ just went back on the NY/NJ/CT no-travel/14-quarantine list due to an increase above the COVID-19 testing thresholds

Its really poor that they wait until the last minute to cancel. People loose accom & air travel despoits because they are afraid to make a decision. I was traveling from Vancouver BC for this, however the Gov't has closed the border until the end of Oct, so even if it goes ahead, people north of the border arent allowed to travel for it. Unfortunantly 2020 is a write off and i'll hazard a guess and say 2021 might not be much better :-(

What's going to happen on 09/29?

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Tempe Town Council will approve the race, or not.

Which is a total crock of shit and not based on the actual science. Our Rt is below one and weekly positivity rate is 4%, 5% being the benchmark. Our average daily cases have been in decline for months. We just got back from CT as well.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Got it, thanks!

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Special Event Committee meeting.

I'll be honest, would be nice if the RD/IM and Tempe were a bit more communicative.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I can't speak for the RD but I am friends with Judy she is moving forward planning both events. The Tempe decision is out of her hands.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Oh, speak of the devil. In response to a question in the AZ 70.3 and Full Facebook group asking about mask protocol Judy responded:

“You won’t be required to wear it during the race. You will be required to wear it at all other times. You’ll dispose of it right before you enter the water and will be given another before you exit the finish line chute. More info landing in your inbox this week!”

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

She's likely moving forward with plans because WTC or Tempe has not told her to stop. She has to be ready in case it does happen.

---

---

Tom - Phoenix Patent Attorney & Triathlete

In a sense I'm not going to blame the business and the director for not cancelling the race per se. They've got a lot of paying customers that will show up and toe the line.

I just would like more communication in general considering the current issues. Logistics of showing up for me is nothing, I live decently close.

Now for Tempe, at this stage I don't get why they haven't pulled the permit since they've cancelled everything else and so far, the only races around here with approved permits are events under 50 people.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Imagine it gets a green light on 9/29, what is the risk the city changes its mind and does a last minute cancellation?

I honestly do not have a clue, the only big race the IMAZ weekend around here is the Gilbert Half and they have added a virtual option and are allowing deferrals or partial refunds which is abnormal.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

9/29 is for the 70.3, which is scheduled for the weekend of the 10/17. The Full won't be decided until 10/29. If they green light the 70.3 next Tuesday, I would say it's 100% a go. Our case numbers had a brief 2 week spike 3 weeks ago when they started to include antigen positives in our case count number. Since then they have mitigated back down to the 400-500 new cases prepay range and an overall downward trajectory in place since July. Our Rt is still below 1%, which is the CDC benchmark for infection decreasing in a population.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I just read this from USATriathlon website :

USA Triathlon, along with race production companies Tucson Racing and 3D Racing, today announced that the 2020 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships, Collegiate Club Cup & High School National Championships in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, have been canceled due to current local government guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
......
The cancellation was required after Arizona State Parks & Trails informed USA Triathlon and Tucson Racing that it would no longer be able to permit events taking place in Arizona State Parks through the month of October.


https://www.teamusa.org/...AumXoeImxIATEOQuHH78

Let's keep waiting to WTS say something about IMAZ !!

That's interesting. Are they gonna close the lake to the boaters lol?

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Tempe Beach Park is not managed by the Arizona State Parks and Trails, Lake Havasu Park is.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

They just sent out the e-mail for the 70.3 participants to schedule their registration and bike drop off time for the 17th.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Yup. They did.

I think I'm going to defer the full. I know I've been that guy that has been adamant, but I'm just done.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

So close.... ;)

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

And registration is still open for the 70.3, $350. May be worth signing up for on race week.

Funny thing with how IM conducts business: I would sign up now for the 70.3 if I knew I would be refunded upon cancellation. I don’t want to do the race next year, or to have to choose from a list of other offered races. No doubt, existing registrants would be pissed if late registrants were offered refunds, so IM won’t adjust it’s no-refund-upon-cancellation policy. They are missing out on business because of the strict policy.

If it's a go, I want to know when the psych sheets will be up!

---

_________________________________
Steve Johnson
DARK HORSE TRIATHLON |

Athlete Guide and Event Schedule have been posted.

https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/e97d-2267608/2020_70.3_Arizona_Athlete_Guide_rs.pdf

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Oh, good. The run course is back to it's old configuration crossing the bridges at Priest and Scottsdale Rd. I was never a fan of the long haul out to McClintock. And the swim course starts at the Art Center again, heading East. Makes sense, a lot more room to stage people.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

They update the course maps on the website (new (old) swim is updated) and it is still showing the run our to McClintock. So hopefully they will update and confirm. My guess is they are trying to keep the course to "one way" running on the path and using both bridges accomplishes this since the remaining section of the out and back is where the path has the upper and lower sections.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

Yeah Judy the RD responded to my FB post about the course lay out and mentioned no more traffic going both ways. They weren't fans of that course of out and backs and the construction blocked off access to Scottsdale Rd. bridge stairs. She would have corrected me if that wasn't the case.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

with the athlete guide since released and the other statements here, it feels like i'd be surprised if they said the 70.3 is off at this juncture, but are there any links or ways to get updates on today's meeting?

I asked the RD if she would hear today. I haven’t heard back yet.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

thanks!

Looks like the meeting got moved to Thursday based on this:

https://www.tempe.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/66495/955?toggle=next7days

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Just heard from the RD. They don’t need an additional meeting approval, she didn’t get into details but they are fully approved and the race is a GO.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Sweet! So Bryan, how are you going to turn the heat down a little bit for us over the next few weeks??

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

Yes now everyone can start worrying about the water temp and if it will be wet suit legal! Someone needs to post that Tempe Town Lake temperature site, I can never find it.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

It's a sweltering 83 degrees right now!

http://wx.tempe.gov/

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Wow. So assuming this is true and the 70.3 goes forward, how likely for the full? It seems significantly bigger and more complicated, more stakeholders.

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Dimond Bikes Superfan

Very likely. I just heard from Zoot Ironman reached out today looking for them to come to both race expo's. The 70.3 is only a Saturday/Sunday affair while IMAZ will have Friday/Saturday/Sunday. They are full steam ahead.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I'm not sure if people wise the full is bigger, lots of people have deferred their IMAZ registrations. For those "one and done'rs" the full is a bit harder to get off the sofa 6 weeks out and somehow prepare. My guess is both races will have a rather small field of participants. For the 70.3 they modified the course to help with social distancing (no two way traffic on the run path, etc.), I expect they will look at the full course and try to make any modifications they can to spread people out and avoid two way traffic/out and backs.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

Well, they reverted back to the old course which has the advantage of creating more spacing for both the swim start and the entire run. All the construction on the north side of the lake is done. That swim last year and the T1 run was dumb.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

The Full adds the Jurisdictions of Scottsdale, SRPIC, and Mesa into the mix. So I don't know.

Scottsdale half-marathon which is in December has already cancelled, Mesa Turkey Trot is a go.

The Bike course is only in Scottsdale for about three miles. SRPIC has in-person gambling at both Casinos.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

What's the pool situation like in Tempe / Scottsdale these days? I'm (hopefully) heading out for the 70.3 and IM - are they open / available? I'm coming from LA where pools are open, but getting a lane requires a reservation and is about as easy as winning the lottery.... Any recommendations?

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-------
Anders

In Scottsdale all the aquatic centers are open as usual, all LA Fitness facilities with pools are also open with no restrictions other then wearing a mask to walk through the club.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

The understatement of the century!!!!!!!

Are you 100% sure that the 70.3 is a go? I'll sign up if it is.

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

The race is a "go" at this moment.. but obviously anything can happen. The city won't let the race happen if the risk level were to get out of control over the next 18 days (or say another train catches fire on the bridge, the dam bladder breaks, a sinkhole appears on Rio Salado..etc.) But at the moment, if we stay on course there is no reason the race won't happen as planned. IM is planning to race in Tempe on the 18th.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

The dam is now steel...... They wised up with rubber and AZ sun lol

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http://www.TriScottsdale.org

:) brilliant. Yes, the rubber seemed like a pretty short sided decision.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

For anyone who is tracking, here are the biggest changes to the race noted in the athlete guide:

• No registration/Expo on Friday
• No in person race briefing - only online video
• Saturday registration: Must reserve 1hr registration time block. Registration and bike check-in must both be done at this time.
• No pre assigned bib numbers*. Athletes will receive a race number when they check in, sounds like it is sequential (if you want to rack next to someone just register at the same time.) *AWA and TriClub members will be preassigned bib numbers.
• No race morning dry clothes bag service
• Racks will be spaced out further, fewer bikes on each rack.
• Athletes must wear a mask at all times (registration, race morning, etc.) EXCEPT WHEN RACING. Mask is discarded just before entering the water. After crossing the finish line they will give you a new one.
• Swim direction changed to the previous course (clockwise) which will allow for more pre-race staging space at the start. (Note: swimming into the sunrise)
• Bike - No notable changes to the course or aid stations
• Run - Course changed back to the previous SOMA style run course using Scottsdale and Preist bridges (allows entire run to be one-way traffic on the trails
• Run - Aid stations will have the "normal" stuff, but athletes need self-serve and grab from a table (no one yelling or handing out stuff.
• Awards and Worlds slots ceremony will be "virtual".. but not sure what that means yet
• It's still 70.3 miles. It is still going to hurt.

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

Replaced the damn three years ago, originally they were going to drain the lake but they built it 20 meters out and then pulled the bladder.

https://ktar.com/story/1602945/tempe-town-lake-dam-project-award/

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I watch our daily case count every day and Tempe specifically. I'll let you know if I see anything that dramatic.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Won't be the case for me...fortunately there's this: "NEW IN 2020: Morning clothes bags will not be distributed at Athlete Check-In. Athletes will set up and keep their gear at their bike rack before heading to the swim start." Sounds like we have a place to keep those pre/post clothes.

Super excited for you guys! I’m hopeful both the 70.3 and full happen AND everyone is safe!

---

Randy Christofferson(http://www.rcmioga.blogspot.com

Insert Doubt. Erase Hope. Crush Dreams.

Today Tempe School District updated their data, they now are in the green on two of the three metrics for school reopening in person. Looking very good

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Also today Arizona hit the benchmarks to open all businesses including gym's , theaters, and restaurants.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Correct me if I'm wrong Bryan, but isn't the cases per 100k figure also affected by the high numbers of positive ASU students? That figure seems much higher than other zip codes in the valley with similar numbers for the other two benchmarks.

So get ready for the second wave.

---

Andrew Inkpen

ASU certainly contributed to the two week spike we saw earlier in September, really its the positivity rate coming down so much that's the most encouraging. Out R1 is also .9 which is also an indicator the spread is decreasing.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

For what it's worth at the Tempe Events meeting yesterday they approved both events to move forward.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

For anyone looking for a source of Tempe covid case data, it looks like these dashboards are updated every Tuesday. I'll be checking them out at least once a week over the next few weeks to try and get a better idea if the race will happen...

https://covid19.tempe.gov/pages/gating

I also found this map of cases but I didn't see a time-series data option to see trends, instead of the current case count...


https://adhsgis.maps.arcgis.com/...4ae99fa607cce55357b7

Anyone else have sources they are following?

Yeah I posted above, I follow the Maricopa County tracking for school reopening's. It uses the same metrics as the Tempe gov site and updates every Thursday. I'll check it again today. Overal1 AZ trends can be found at AZ Central and AZ Family web sites every day. The race is happening and we are seeing no adverse trends. Tempe has two of the three metrics solidly in the green,

https://www.maricopa.gov/5594/School-Metrics

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Super disappointed with Ironman. I've been getting zero race communications. Had an email change many months back and it took several months and several support tickets to get that changed, but still getting nothing about the race. Can anyone in the 70.3 PM me a link to sign up for bike drop-off?

It was sent as an e-mail link from Active.com

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Anybody got a water temp for the lake?

79

http://wx.tempe.gov/...RkAaSgWLIHIwAX54C4rY

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Nothing from Active either. I’ve emailed arizona70.3@ironman.com. This simple email change has been a HUGE mess. At least I still see my name on the participants list!

To all the people that swore up and down this race would be cancelled while I said hang on...told you. :) Tempe Beach Park today.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

And speaking with the RD today, so is the full.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Don't they store that at the marina lot next door year round...? ;)

That made me VERY happy to see!!

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______________________________________________
Team Zoot

No, not there year around. Wasn't there two weeks ago. Usually shows up about a month in advance

Actually an Ironman trailer is stored at the marina, but it's not "next door." It's across the lake.

All three trailers are there now.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Anyone know if its possible to defer entries? I'm in the UK, and there is no way I can get over to race.

Tubs

Yes but...
“Athletes who register on or before March 1, 2020 are eligible to defer their entry into the 2021 IRONMAN Arizona free of charge. All deferral requests will be honored until October 8, 2020 regardless of the reason for deferral. The deferral may only be used once. Athletes who elect to defer their entries forfeit any partial refund, ability to transfer or insurance refund. To submit a deferral request. please contact arizona@ironman.com.”

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Oh. ;-(
Thanks.

Deferrals have been extended to Nov 8th

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

Good news for Tubs!!!

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Awesome thanks.

Volunteer sign-up


Is this normal to have this many open spots with many in critical areas? I honestly do not know the accuracy of data of this aspect of the race, but could be problematic if turn-out is high. Perhaps it will right size itself with the amount of race day participants.

Water temp 77 today. That sucks—nothing worse than wearing a wetsuit in 75 degree water. You are at a competitive disadvantage if you don’t

I'm trying to bail from IMAZ 2020 because urgent travels broke my training cycle to hell. Plus I sense my wife is ready to execute veto power and don't let travel/stay in hotels during pandemic.

An earlier IM in September/October 2021 would suit my next year schedule better than a simple deferral to IMAZ 2021.

I just got an email from WTC telling to finish a free deferral by Oct, 18.

Now I have a choice:
1. I wait till IMAZ 2020 is cancelled and get a free deferral with many options
2. I wait and IMAZ is not cancelled. I lose the whole fee
3. I defer now and do IMAZ 2021 instead of something like IM Maryland or California.

I'm leaning towards 3 because it looks like it's not going to get cancelled.

sorry I am not from the US

you seem happy that locally Tempe is in a great shape for covid, which is good.

i think the race happens not because of people living around Tempe but the race lives upon athletes coming from all over the places.
I leave out of this discussion non-US athletes: how do you manage athletes flowing in Tempe from US states where covid situation is not that good? do you have border checks in Arizona?

Where are these other deferral dates coming form? I have sent IMAZ an email, but of course as gone unanswered....I see this on the website, (also they say that the 2021 race will offer spots to Kona 2021 ;), surprised, not surprised):

All deferral requests will be honored until October 8, 2020 regardless of the reason for deferral. The deferral may only be used once. Athletes who elect to defer their entries forfeit any partial refund, ability to transfer or insurance refund. To submit a deferral request. please contact arizona@ironman.com.

That's definitely your best bet, At this point there's a 1% chance it gets cancelled.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I'd take the over on 1%. But maybe I should consider making my travel arrangements. Seems like flights and hotels are all cancelable now anyway.

---

Dimond Bikes Superfan

Received an email from WTC this morning offering a deferral to IMAZ in 2021. I'm in Canada, and took the option for next year.

Ironman communication is not great, I agree. The date I was talking about came from email sent to me today. I've requested a deferral about 2 weeks ago and today they say:

'If you would like to select to defer to 2021 IRONMAN Arizona now, please use the below link to select a deferral to 2021 IRONMAN Arizona. The deferral offer is only for 2021 IRONMAN Arizona. Deferrals to other events are not permitted. Your entry for 2020 IRONMAN Arizona will be cancelled and you will receive a link to register for 2021 IRONMAN Arizona when registration opens. If you have reached out in the last two weeks requesting a deferral, please use the below link to complete the process by Sunday 10/18 11:59 PM EST. We apologize for delay! Please complete all steps until you receive the confirmation page. Any links that are not fully completed will not be processed'

May be this new deadline is just for me. Or for those who requested a deferral on time and didn't receive any reply.

Bryan

Have you heard any details pertaining to the bike course change due to the reservation lockdown?? If it's 6 loops of the half course...

---

Toro Performance

Nothing I'm aware of would stop me from getting on a plane from Wisconsin (where we have one of the highest rates in the country), landing this afternoon in Phoenix, and walking around on course tonight in Tempe.

I chose 3 and it was a very smooth process. Originally was waiting for a cancel and then change to California, but as soon as it looked like it wasn't going to cancel I deferred. See you next year!!!

I just asked the RD, waiting to hear back.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Sam Long just posted that IMAZ was cancelled.
I guess, will be AG only, right?
Or race was cancelled??

AG only from what I understand. But, the situation seems to be evolving...

---

Toro Performance

Oooh how I wish we could have border checks state by state. The only places that could enforce are Alaska & Hawai'i but just due to the way Alaska swings on the color scale, they couldn't care less. Hawai'i has been issuing tickets and making arrests for tourists violating the self-quarantine guidelines but it is certainly not perfect, hotel staff can still pick it up and bring it back home and it only takes brazen carelessness to get caught.

---

808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

At this point, appears this is only relevant to pros. AG race still on, pros moved to FL.

There's only one state in the US that has border checkpoints that are manned by state law enforcement, and they're not State Trooper either. California has border checkpoints manned by the Department of Agriculture as California has significantly different laws on food apparently. These checkpoints have been in place at least as long as I have been alive.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Access denied....

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

They can call it Ironcrit. I actually wouldn't mind 6 laps. Looks like it will be a small field as there are a lot of deferrals, so wouldn't get too packed and it would mean they could get away with only one aid station on the bike course. Would also be good for spectator viewing, though they are probably not encouraging that.

so how long do we guess it'll be until we know what the deal is with the bike course?

---

Dimond Bikes Superfan

After the deferral cutoff :)

---

http://www.TriScottsdale.org

I can't imagine doing 6 loops of the 70.3 course! I think some of us have the biking skills to avoid bad riders, but the 70.3 course is the worst bike course there is and add in more riders and more loops its a recipe for disaster.

As per the RD to me an hour ago, don't make any assumptions regarding the bike course, they are still in discussions and sorting out all available options.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

That's because IMAZ has had a deferral policy for several years that is specific to that race, most IM's as far as I'm aware do not have a free deferral policy.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Anybody paying attention to what happened to multiple racers at the Giro? Racers and tourists travelled to Sicily and stayed at the same hotel. Multiple racers were exposed to COVID. The Giro most likely won’t finish. Hundreds of racers and support staff have been exposed to COVID. Many racers including EF Education want race cancelled. Many elected officials in Arizona played down the outbreak. 5,789 people are dead and the infection is still not contained. If you participate in Ironman Arizona, then you are putting your health and the health of other people at risk including your fellow racers. I understand the pull to race. You put in all of the hard work and you want to complete your race. Unfortunately, your desire to complete a race isn’t worth the risk of harming others. Please stay home. Let’s race again when we won’t harm our fellow athletes.

Do you think IM organization is aware of this? do you think they will ignore it?

Let me guess you want to cancel Christmas too?

The Giro is still racing. No report yet on the covid tests conducted yesterday.

Just like there is nothing stopping anyone from going to IMFL or Challenge Daytona from another state. They're aware, and what is there to ignore? That would be interstate commerce and is in the hands of the Federal Government.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I actually do want to cancel Christmas. There are predictions that there will be a huge outbreak after Christmas due to families giving each other COVID. This pandemic is not going to get better until everyone (including you) get serious. Traveling to Arizona for a triathlon and flying to Aunt Ruby’s for Christmas is not taking this situation seriously. I want to race in 2021. I want my kid to go back to school. If our country keeps acting like you and our President, then we are never going to get out of this nightmare.

Plus one. Bye-bye IMAZ 2020, hello Manchester, NH Marathon as an A-race of year 2020.

Unless, of course, something else happens in the next 4 weeks :)

I mean, Phoenix has a fairly large airport where people fly in and out of everyday. Not to mention, a few dozen (if not hundred) massive tech companies that have people coming in from all over the place on a regular basis. A 70.3 or Ironman doesn't make a dent in the amount of out of state traffic that Phoenix gets. Plus travel from Mexico, people coming from CA (to use our restaurants) and more. And still, the Covid situation is holding steady.

I respect your opinion and how you are personally handling the virus. I am not going to tell you how to live your life. You are free to tell me how to live my life but I don't have to agree:). The virus is real and we should all be very aware and cautious. Based on my own research I am doing things differently. We went to Universal Studios the second week it was open. My kids are in school. I will continue to take my wife to dinner once a week. I will continue to wear a mask everywhere I go, stay socially distanced as best I can, and be overly cautious with washing/sanitizing my hands. And I will race the Arizona 70.3 this Sunday. I am impressed with the work they put in to keep everyone spread out and safe. It is an outdoor even and based on my own research I feel it is safe. Grateful to live in a state where I can make the choice to race!

Americans going to triathlons, Trump rallies, family gatherings, indoor restaurants, and amusement parks, and fraternity parties have led to a major spike in COVID. This statement isn’t an opinion. See below. Americans unwillingness to limit their pursuit of fun during a pandemic has caused us to have the highest number of deaths in world and postponed normalcy.

https://www.google.com/...us/%3foutputType=amp

This comment is just so narrow minded. While what you say is true it's not the whole picture of why there are so many deaths. One of the main problems as a society is that for most of us the disease is not a serious risk; and as time has passed and we learn more we continue to realize this and in turn stop taking it so seriously. The truth is, without a comorbidity you'll be fine and even with one is not a certain death especially at this stage in the process. My wife is a nurse (41 years old) and contracted COVID early on, she gave it to me (38 years old) and my two children (16 months and 9 years old). We had very mild symptoms and had she not have been a nurse we would never have gotten tested and known b/c it was that mild. Our sinus issues each year are a far worse concern for our family.

You're just never going to get our society as a whole to stay at home and hide when 95% of us in society have 0% risk of complications. I got the flu 3-4 years ago and was shut down, off work, no training, in bed, lost 10 lbs, couldn't move...that is something I don't want to get again, but COVID? My 9 year old, after her positive test said "This is COVID? Why are they making such a big deal about it?" Now of course we stayed away from our parents, their grandparents and quarantined and no one else in the extended family contracted it. We wear masks and wash our hands and socially distance as much as possible but we won't be fearful of it or hide and there are many people that believe this, and that will never change.

It's behavioral. 650,000 people die a year (1 every 36 seconds) from heart disease, which is largely lifestyle related to bad choices of taking care of oneself. Another 480,000 die from smoking related issues...

If generally healthy people want to race, or gather, eat out, or god forbid gather with their family then they should. Hiding from it won't stop it, nor is it realistic.

Just wanted to send you one of thousands of obituaries of young, healthy people who shared your philosophy. I look forward to racing again after the vaccine arrives. Hope that happens soon. https://www.johnsoncountychapel.com/obituary/John-Garry

Obviously you're on some sort of crusade to change opinions which is fine I appreciate differing views, but on a grand scale it won't change anything. There are always outliers in any situation and I don't know anything about Mr. Garry's situation. It's possible he had asthma or something underlying, but not worth getting into here. Of course his death is sad but it's not the norm and to change societies opinion his death would have to be the norm. If 30 something year olds were dying by the thousands then people would potentially change behavior, but maybe not even then. Over a million people die every year for reasons they have absolute control over so it's going to be hard to expect them to change behavior on something that's not really an issue for most.

Check out the COVID statistics in the Bay Area. Shows what happens when a majority of citizens follow science instead of a clown in a stupid red hat.

...and there it is! lol

I had no idea your comments were politically charged, I am sorry I engaged. I actually enjoy a good discussion about differences...too bad this couldn't be one.

Best of luck to you!

Either you agree or you don't this really isn't the discussion here, this is about Ironman Arizona. I am hearing its going to be many laps of the half course, probably the worst course there could possibly be. Beeline was the great equalizer, this is going to be a shit show.. I am in Covid or no Covid, I could as easily get it at the post office.

According to a well respected scientist John A Ioannidis, the IFR for those under 70 is about 0.05%. See here - https://www.who.int/...st/BLT.20.265892.pdf. The average age of a COVID victim in the US is right around the average life expectancy age, also according to the CDC's latest stats. The triathletes fit enough to do a 70.3/140.6 should def be shaking in their Hokas.IMO, they take a bigger risk by swimming in TTL, but hey....

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Exactly! Enjoy the race!

Rolling 3 and 7 day average trend is worth a look...can be misleading with reporting but there is some creep over last 30 days.

https://www.worldometers.info/...navirus/usa/arizona/

I'm sure I will see positive feedback from racers after IM Arizona is finished, but I also would like to see from you guys, in your right conscious, that you can share how many of you (and families) got sick during the event or traveling so we can conclude if the event was a good or bad idea.

So you have an advance degree in virology? You're a epidemiologist? A medical provider, infectious disease doc? An internal med doc, or at least a proctologist? Assuming all those answers are no because of what you have said already your predictions are weak at best.

The deaths caused by this virus have been in people with 2 or more comorbidities and/or over the age of 65 have been 80%. Since we know this we should have protected this population. Instead we started by doing what you have advocated and spent $16 Trillion in tax money and loss to the economy.......not to mention racing. So we have tried it your way and it didn't work. The overall death rate in the US has been about 3-4% depending on who you believe. If I promised you a 96% chance of wining at Las Vegas you would go and bet your mortgage every day! So please take your fear and politics in the lavender room unless you actually have a cogent argument to offer.

That was very informative, thanks for posting.

where did you hear this?

I'm trying not to be too judgmental as everyone has their own comfort level. But I lean towards riverdaledad. I'm actually shocked at how so many people are back to "business as usual" during a pandemic when it's not going away anytime soon. But it's not just Americans. I follow a few folks on Instagram from Russia and Europe. Some athletes are full on racing big time Ironmans and halves and other races with lots of people, no social distancing and no masks from non-racers or racers pre/post race. Part of me is a little jealous to be that carefree and bold during these crazy times. But I still plan on being cautious, following guidelines, and not taking any unnecessary risks. I do wish everyone well who does race this year. I wish we knew if anyone has gotten sick from racing the bigger races this year. How risky is it? What race did you contract the virus from? Was it from the travel? All kinds of questions....

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Death is easy....peaceful. Life is harder.

would assume a lot of that is ASU/UA related.

This thread should move to the Lavender Room, and then a new thread can start about the actual race.

If you need to write a treatise on covid-era behavior, submit an op-Ed to your local paper. Spare us that want a distraction from all that

Someone's a little cranky. I guess i hit a nerve there? (don't really want an answer lol)

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Death is easy....peaceful. Life is harder.

100%. The one thing for certain about 2020 is that it has normalized unhealthy anxieties and neurotic behavior for a lot of people and thats very bad.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

There are issues with the Salt River Indian Community not granting a permit to ride into the reservation. Alternatives are being explored currently by the RD.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Personally, I wouldn't mind all of the posts attempting to shame people for racing to just be deleted completely. However, they can be merged into a new thread in the Lavender room for them to make their criticisms while we focus on the logistics of this getting done.

Very happy for everyone who gets to race this weekend.


A general assumption with the lack of a permit by SRPMC is probably doubling the laps on the 70.3 course. As Bryan has said they're exploring options, that's likely a last resort and depends on if Tempe, Scottsdale, or Phoenix give them more real estate.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

I am just an earnest but middle-of-pack age grouper.
I am also a physician, have lead numerous clinical trials amid the COVID pandemic, led development of an investigational therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2 infection, married to an epidemiologist who leads a team that models and tracks the COVID-19 pandemic, and I personally know what it is like to have a loved one die alone in a hospital amid this pandemic—with family unable to be at the bedside. I hope this give me a little bit of credibility.

I agree there needs to be a balance between being able to live, and having a quality of life that makes living worthwhile.
And I agree with the concerns raised in this thread with regard to the pandemic. To be clear, this is an airborne virus, highly contagious, and the core principle is not how individually strong we are or able to withstand infection, but that we are all potential vectors for transmission of the virus, much of which can happen while asymptomatic, to vulnerable members of society. By any metric, this is a deadly virus—in about a year of this virus’s journey through the US, we may see about 400,000 deaths due to COVID-19–this is all with variable measures of social distancing.

We are all, even slow triathletes like myself, ambassadors to the sport.
Generally as athletes, we tend to be the physically stronger and healthier members of society—but that should not render us uncaring for the vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly, the sick, immunocompromised, obese, cancer survivors, the list goes on and on.

There are a TON of things we can do while responsibly social distancing, wearing masks, hand-washing, and able to practice reasonable hygiene. My family goes out shopping a lot, usually at our local brick-and-mortar establishments—wearing masks! (supporting the economy, albeit painful to my wallet). We eat out at restaurants frequently, at venues with socially distances outdoor seating. I still frequent my local bike shop—wearing a mask and distancing. I am sorry to say large events, even if outdoors, if unable to reasonably social distance, should wait until it can be done safety—again, most participants in the sport are likely to tolerate infection with only mild to moderate symptoms, but would be vectors for transmission to others in society, often occurring before becoming reasonably aware of being infected.

I understand the desire to move this to the lavender room.
But I can’t think of a more important general topic than how triathletes can be good stewards and ambassadors to the sport.
In my opinion, it is unfortunate for strong (and generally young) participants in a sport to act and be seen as being uncaring for vulnerable members of our society.

Wow for some reason it got real quiet after ur post.....

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http://www.TriScottsdale.org

What should we say? Cool story bro? Thanks for the wall of text taking this thread off topic? There is a race tomorrow. Unlike the normal 3k participants there will be 800 people toeing the line. Honestly, as a local and the way the course is set up I think 800 is perfect.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Well.. after hearing from an expert, people got quiet about their opinions.

As for off topic, I think the thread is called IM AZ not 70.3. So one could interject that you are off topic. And the 1/2 has never had anywhere close to 3000 people

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http://www.TriScottsdale.org

If you look at this thread it has been about both IMAZ and IMAZ 70.3. People got "quiet" because people went to sleep.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.