Ironman California cancels Sacramento race, citing safety concerns amid heavy rains

Ironman California canceled its Sacramento event early Sunday morning, citing weather conditions that would prevent “acceptably safe” swimming and biking conditions.

Get live updates on Northern California’s wild Sunday weather here.

“The safety of the athletes, volunteers and spectators is our highest priority. It would not be responsible to host the event at this moment in time,” the organizers said in a social media post around 6:30 a.m.

The post said followers could contact calilfornia@ironman.com with questions about the event’s cancellation.

Ironman was going to make its debut in Sacramento. But the timing was bad, as Northern California endured rainstorms and a “bomb cyclone.”

Also, known as bombogenesis, Northern California residents can expect intense rain from the bomb cyclone, which may result in slick roads, mudslides and ash and debris flows.

The triathlon offered 45 registered athletes a shot at the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in October 2022. The event promised to bring athletes along a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run through Sacramento’s downtown area and end around the California State Capitol building and gardens. The course highlighted the Tower Bridge, Central Valley’s farm and wine country and Discovery Park.

The Ironman race had 3,500 registered competitors, including some of the best athletes in the world. Followers on the race’s Facebook page mostly applauded the decision Sunday morning as intense rain accompanied heavy winds in Sacramento.

“Sorry to hear this after all the work, training & preparation of the athletes but am glad you’re keeping their safety top priority,” Jenny Nordstrom said on Facebook.