Jloewe wrote:
I know we all have little say in it. But getting my second Pfizer dose today I’ll ask the question that burns on everyone’s mind the most. When do we all think in person racing will resume?
Personally I think August maybe September judging from what I see right now. The virus is still out of control and other than hospital workers like myself the vaccine rate seems to be at a drunk turtles covers in molasses going up a hill to meet up with in-laws.
I don't know anything and this only a guess:
Ironman figured out how to run Ironman Florida (anyone can argue whether this was good idea or not... I'm just saying they got the race in).
Just thinking about
US IM races... My guess is that if things are going in the right direction, like others have said, in certain geographies... some spring races happen. And then more races happen in summer... with momentum starting in July/August.
I believe Kona happens.
I don't believe America will wait for everything to be completed be sorted in relation to infection rates, vaccination rates, etc. As soon as people get vaccines and numbers go down... and as soon as there is a feeling (and media reporting of).. "new admin is getting this under control"... people will start moving again, traveling again. I believe in a very significant way. Will this likely be the right thing to do for US as a whole? No. Will it probably extend virus impact longer than is necessary? Probably.
In all of this, I believe events like Ironman will find a way to get a lot of races done. Too much riding on it for all parties involved. Some may not happen due to individual race circumstances.
Will the races have to be run in very different way? Yes. But they have the protocols and plans in place...so no scrambling to figure out. Will people likely have to make a choice whether they think it's safe? Yes. I think this is where we will see the most heartache (for athletes, etc). Do you feel confident in racing? Many will. Many will not.