The race began this morning, on time, even though conditions in surrounding areas are still worsening.

The race is on with a modified swim course (finished already) and the bike still the same course as planned. The run is now a 3 loop affair. According to Ironmanlive.com and reports from the race course, the winds have switched and Penticton is getting a lot of the smoke. It was reported from the finishline that you couldn't see the lake - that's only 100meters from the finishline. This is going to make for a nasty, nasty run. I won't be surprised to see a) a lot of very slow times and b) a lot of people dropping out on the run due to not being able to breathe.

My heart goes to those in Kelowna and surrounding areas. They have lost 200 homes to the Okanagan Park fire this week already. Truly devestating. Good luck to all those participants and hopefully every, who can, finishes and remains healthy.

Dennis