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Update: IM Florida
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Just got this email. Anyone think it will end up being cancelled later?

When we began the 2020 racing season, the IRONMAN triathlon community along with our host city partners were excited for what was shaping up to be a great year of racing ahead with more events and event locations than ever before.

The world, however, has since endured drastic and unprecedented impacts from the global COVID-19 pandemic that has created many uncertainties with conditions and circumstances seemingly evolving daily. While the majority of the of the 2020 North American IRONMAN Series has been impacted, as of today, September 4, the 2020 Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida and Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast triathlons remains on the calendar as planned for November 7.

We would, however like to share an important change as the IRONMAN Athlete Village, transition and the finish line will now move to Pier Park, which is approximately five miles from the previous location of the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Updated course maps will be shared on the event website once available.

The health and well-being of our community is our primary concern and we have and will remain connected with our local health and public authorities as the race date nears to ensure we can put on a safe and positive race experience that you and our race communities expect and deserve. We are committed to conducting races in a way that reduces risk for athletes, volunteers, and host communities and will continue to utilize our Safe Return to Racing event guidelines, a series of comprehensive operating principles prepared in accordance with industry standards for open air endurance sporting events. Our teams have been building race plans with the very best in the industry and will continue their work with respective stakeholders to follow guidelines and recommendations in a manner consistent with each of IRONMAN’s local community objectives and within the expectations set by public health entities around the world as they relate to the impacts of COVID-19.

The decision to proceed, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources and ongoing event-specific risk assessment in coordination with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety at events, who is engaged with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant institutions regarding risk assessment and mitigation. Should any event changes be necessary, they will be communicated as soon as possible.

We are committed to bringing you the best event experience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this highly dynamic time.

Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe:
“This year has been a challenging year for all events, but we are confident in IRONMAN and their established safety protocols. Every year we are amazed by the dedication and determination of these athletes and we are looking forward to welcoming back athletes for a well-run and safely administered sporting event.

“We have been honored to welcome athletes from all over the world who have raced in IRONMAN events hosted in our beautiful destination, and we are thrilled to invite those athletes back for the 2020 Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast triathlon and 2020 Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida triathlon. With perfect beach weather and beautiful coastal scenery, we have undoubtably become the premier sports destination of the South, and we hope to give both new and returning athletes a safe, exciting and memorable experience racing on the Gulf Coast.”

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the races once again.

The IRONMAN Team
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Re: Update: IM Florida [runnerak47] [ In reply to ]
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Just got that email as well. Seems they are certainly planning to have the race (moving the finish, referencing updated course maps coming soon). Nothing is guaranteed but this is promising!
Last edited by: MFriendly: Sep 4, 20 7:20
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Re: Update: IM Florida [runnerak47] [ In reply to ]
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They sent the same email for AZ 70.3 yesterday. It’s just a form email. I suspect the IMTX/Waco folks will be getting the same email.

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: Update: IM Florida [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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The GMAN wrote:
They sent the same email for AZ 70.3 yesterday. It’s just a form email. I suspect the IMTX/Waco folks will be getting the same email.

It is a form email but contains this: "We would, however like to share an important change as the IRONMAN Athlete Village, transition and the finish line will now move to Pier Park, which is approximately five miles from the previous location of the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Updated course maps will be shared on the event website once available."

I don't think the TX or AZ emails will contain that language, GMAN. You might need to just accept being wrong about this one.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [MFriendly] [ In reply to ]
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MFriendly wrote:
The GMAN wrote:
They sent the same email for AZ 70.3 yesterday. It’s just a form email. I suspect the IMTX/Waco folks will be getting the same email.

It is a form email but contains this: "We would, however like to share an important change as the IRONMAN Athlete Village, transition and the finish line will now move to Pier Park, which is approximately five miles from the previous location of the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Updated course maps will be shared on the event website once available."

I don't think the TX or AZ emails will contain that language, GMAN. You might need to just accept being wrong about this one.

The emails are identical with the exception of anything geographically specific. Did I really need to point that out? 🙄

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: Update: IM Florida [MFriendly] [ In reply to ]
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MFriendly wrote:
Just got that email as well. Seems they are certainly planning to have the race (moving the finish, referencing updated course maps coming soon). Nothing is guaranteed but this is promising!

Don't put too much stock in that. They did the same thing with Muncie 70.3 and it was cancelled.

@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri
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Re: Update: IM Florida [runnerak47] [ In reply to ]
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"The decision to proceed, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources........"

The big question is: Will they be able to attract enough volunteers?

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
Last edited by: japarker24: Sep 4, 20 8:16
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Re: Update: IM Florida [runnerak47] [ In reply to ]
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runnerak47 wrote:
....
The decision to proceed, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources and ongoing event-specific risk assessment in coordination with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety at events, who is engaged with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant institutions regarding risk assessment and mitigation. Should any event changes be necessary, they will be communicated as soon as possible.
....


This is the relevant part. I would -love- to see the event happen, but wouldn't count on it.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [SBRcanuck] [ In reply to ]
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SBRcanuck wrote:
runnerak47 wrote:
....
The decision to proceed, modify or postpone an event will be based on availability of community resources and ongoing event-specific risk assessment in coordination with the relevant healthcare and government authorities and the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board, an independent medical advisory board focused on health and safety at events, who is engaged with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant institutions regarding risk assessment and mitigation. Should any event changes be necessary, they will be communicated as soon as possible.
....


This is the relevant part. I would -love- to see the event happen, but wouldn't count on it.

This. When they really start having to nail down specifics, ~1-2 weeks before the race, there’s going to be an oh shit moment. Not to mention they are running a 70.3 at the same exact time. The logistics of doing both 140.6 and a 70.3 are already hard enough. Let alone during a worldwide pandemic with limited volunteers.

blog
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Re: Update: IM Florida [MFriendly] [ In reply to ]
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The IMAZ 70.3 email says nothing of the village.

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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Thunder Beach Bike Week was canceled. Two weeks before IMFL. While certainly an event that draws a larger crowd than IMFL the wording in both articles does not sound promising for any large events in PCB.

https://thunderbeachproductions.com/press-releases/

https://www.google.com/...d.com/amp/5805312002

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: Update: IM Florida [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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The GMAN wrote:
Thunder Beach Bike Week was canceled. Two weeks before IMFL. While certainly an event that draws a larger crowd than IMFL the wording in both articles does not sound promising for any large events in PCB.

https://thunderbeachproductions.com/press-releases/

https://www.google.com/...d.com/amp/5805312002

You mentioned the size difference but ya, 2000 for a 1 day event vs 20k for 4 days is a pretty significant difference. It clearly states that it was pulled because of the private events that go on outside of the rally. You’re a little less likely to have house parties, bars filled to capacity and disturbances with 20k bikers compared with triathletes that are largely antisocial and asleep by 9pm lol
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Re: Update: IM Florida [T2LV] [ In reply to ]
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T2LV wrote:
The GMAN wrote:
Thunder Beach Bike Week was canceled. Two weeks before IMFL. While certainly an event that draws a larger crowd than IMFL the wording in both articles does not sound promising for any large events in PCB.

https://thunderbeachproductions.com/press-releases/

https://www.google.com/...d.com/amp/5805312002


You mentioned the size difference but ya, 2000 for a 1 day event vs 20k for 4 days is a pretty significant difference. It clearly states that it was pulled because of the private events that go on outside of the rally. You’re a little less likely to have house parties, bars filled to capacity and disturbances with 20k bikers compared with triathletes that are largely antisocial and asleep by 9pm lol

This is one of the problems with triathlon.

@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri
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Re: Update: IM Florida [cloy] [ In reply to ]
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cloy wrote:
T2LV wrote:
The GMAN wrote:
Thunder Beach Bike Week was canceled. Two weeks before IMFL. While certainly an event that draws a larger crowd than IMFL the wording in both articles does not sound promising for any large events in PCB.

https://thunderbeachproductions.com/press-releases/

https://www.google.com/...d.com/amp/5805312002


You mentioned the size difference but ya, 2000 for a 1 day event vs 20k for 4 days is a pretty significant difference. It clearly states that it was pulled because of the private events that go on outside of the rally. You’re a little less likely to have house parties, bars filled to capacity and disturbances with 20k bikers compared with triathletes that are largely antisocial and asleep by 9pm lol


This is one of the problems with triathlon.

LOL!

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [T2LV] [ In reply to ]
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T2LV wrote:
The GMAN wrote:
Thunder Beach Bike Week was canceled. Two weeks before IMFL. While certainly an event that draws a larger crowd than IMFL the wording in both articles does not sound promising for any large events in PCB.

https://thunderbeachproductions.com/press-releases/

https://www.google.com/...d.com/amp/5805312002

You mentioned the size difference but ya, 2000 for a 1 day event vs 20k for 4 days is a pretty significant difference. It clearly states that it was pulled because of the private events that go on outside of the rally. You’re a little less likely to have house parties, bars filled to capacity and disturbances with 20k bikers compared with triathletes that are largely antisocial and asleep by 9pm lol

Remember that both IMFL and GC70.3 are happening at the same time. Combined participant list is ~3,700. Plus the permitting would be for all those involved... athletes, staff, volunteers, vendors, and maybe spectators. So that number is probably 4,500+ people without factoring in spectators. Still less than the estimated 8k to 10k per day at the biker event but it’s not 2000 like you mentioned.

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: Update: IM Florida [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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No clue if this means anything but PCB city council recently approved the bike course closure per someone's facebook IMFL group post last week. Not sure if this the same thing as permit approval?
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Re: Update: IM Florida [Old lungs] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Update: IM Florida [Old lungs] [ In reply to ]
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Old lungs wrote:
No clue if this means anything but PCB city council recently approved the bike course closure per someone's facebook IMFL group post last week. Not sure if this the same thing as permit approval?


Old Lungs & Red,

All that means is they have approval to close the roads IF the race happens. That's a big IF.........

japarker24

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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If the event is held, there will be a minimum 20% COVID No Show rate off the participant list, but I don't know if IM will present the lower numbers to the council. Note also that PCB specifically did not mention IMFL when they listed other cancellations along with the Thunder Beach rally.

"The city stated that other major events, such as the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, UNwineD, Sand Jam, the Summer Concert Series, Real. Fun. Fourth., Pirates of the High Seas Fest, Beach Home for the Holidays and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop have been voluntarily postponed or been made virtual to reduce the spread of COVID‐19 in our community, and protect our vulnerable population. "

We'll have to see what they do, but I don't suspect they'll have as hard a time getting volunteers as some think. I was in Panama City this past weekend and wearing masks in public places seemed to be more of a suggested guideline with very low compliance at the places I went to. That is quite a difference from Tampa where compliance in restaurants and even gas stations is relatively good.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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HuffNPuff wrote:
I was in Panama City this past weekend and wearing masks in public places seemed to be more of a suggested guideline with very low compliance at the places I went to. That is quite a difference from Tampa where compliance in restaurants and even gas stations is relatively good.

Yet another reason to cancel the race.

Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [japarker24] [ In reply to ]
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Meanwhile, in Clermont:

We're LIVE on October 24, 2020!
The Clermont City Council unanimously approved this year's Great Floridian Triathlon to be a live event on October 24! Participation will be limited so we can maintain social distancing and stringent safety guidelines will be in place.
We are now accepting new entries through September 30, with a limited number of new spots available. We encourage you to register early because once each event reaches it's participant cap, registration for that distance will close.
This will be a special year for the GFT as it marks the Great Floridian Triathlon's 30th year, making it the longest running independent full distance triathlon in the world! The full distance Great Floridian Triathlon is also the USA Triathlon Ultra-Distance National Championship and will qualify athletes for the 2021 World Championships!

The Great Floridian Multisport Festival has a race and distance for everyone! Don't miss out on a chance to participate in a live event this year, and be part of triathlon history.
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Re: Update: IM Florida [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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Great news
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Re: Update: IM Florida [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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Outstanding!
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Re: Update: IM Florida [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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Sommersports went live for the City Council meeting. The city was all about making this race happen but made the statement they have full authority to pull the permit at any point of Covid starts to climb again. They based the decision off Fred's first two Triathlon races that went very well.

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com
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Re: Update: IM Florida [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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HuffNPuff wrote:
If the event is held, there will be a minimum 20% COVID No Show rate off the participant list, but I don't know if IM will present the lower numbers to the council. Note also that PCB specifically did not mention IMFL when they listed other cancellations along with the Thunder Beach rally.

"The city stated that other major events, such as the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, UNwineD, Sand Jam, the Summer Concert Series, Real. Fun. Fourth., Pirates of the High Seas Fest, Beach Home for the Holidays and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop have been voluntarily postponed or been made virtual to reduce the spread of COVID‐19 in our community, and protect our vulnerable population. "

We'll have to see what they do, but I don't suspect they'll have as hard a time getting volunteers as some think. I was in Panama City this past weekend and wearing masks in public places seemed to be more of a suggested guideline with very low compliance at the places I went to. That is quite a difference from Tampa where compliance in restaurants and even gas stations is relatively good.

I was also in PCB/30a area last week and I’d say less than 30% of folks wear masks down there. We tried to eat at a restaurant we like (allegedly at 50% capacity) and we walked right back to the car cuz that place was quite crowded. I bet Ironman would have zero issues getting volunteers. Many people in many places have moved on from covid for better or worse.
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