Ironman South Africa Update
Iceland’s volcanic eruption affects Sunday's race.
Due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, causing the cancellation of flights throughout Europe, 200 plus athletes (including Gerrit Schellens of Belgium, a two-time Ironman SA title holder) cannot get to South Africa to compete in Sunday’s Ironman South Africa.
While refunds are not possible for the affected athletes, European Ironman organizers have stepped up to provide an option. All affected athletes will be offered free entries to Ironman 70.3 races in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
As reported on the race organizer’s website, Kai Walter, CEO of IRONMAN European Headquarter, said: “All Ironman full distance races in Europe are fully booked but Wiesbaden, Rapperswil and St. Pölten make it possible for those who have been in training for many months to get a free entry in one of the races. We will handle the registrations quickly and simply to act in the interest of aggrieved athletes.”
Stefan Petschnig, communications director of the European Ironman Headquarters, continues: “The fusion of all Ironman-organizers in Europe allows it to offer all affected athletes free entries for Ironman 70.3 races in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.”
Athletes who are unable to get to South Africa for the event should contact Athlete Liaison, Sharon at sharon@triangle.cc.
Contact:
Registration for IRONMAN Germany 70.3 Wiesbaden: info@ironman.de
Registration for Austria IRONMAN 70.3 St. Pölten: office@ironman703.at
Registration for PowerBar IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland: office@ironman.ch
