As was noted on an earlier post, the Ironhorse has been cancelled for 2004. This race had a lot of status in the tri world in the 1980’s and early 90’s with large fields, a fine course and it was one of the few long distance events, along with Muncie, in the Midwest. I raced it a number of times in the early '90’s and returned again these past few years. I was entered this year and was disappointed at its cancellation, but I did want to put in a word for Paul McDevitt.
There is no doubt that the lepto situation a few years back was a nightmare for almost everyone involved in any capacity with the race and people I know were effected by their participation. Since then, despite the fine support, organization, and solid course, the field has steadily dropped, unfortunately and understandably so, as the water issue clouded things. The race was turned into a duathlon in 2002 because of the water rain/run-off, and athletes who wanted a triathlon could never be certain, because of the race’s diligence after going through what they had, that the Ironhorse would be a triathlon when they arrived.
Paul McDevitt did all he could to build life back into the race and helped it recover as best he could. He is one of those folks who really tried to provide a first class experience for people and I valued his work over the years. I know that the situation that occurred in Springfield heightened everyone’s awareness of water quality issues and provided a lesson for all other RD’s. The race had a bad day. Paul remains a good guy.
Best,
Mark