The rumors that were brewing are true and now have been officially confirmed, the 10th Anniversary of Ironman Japan will NOT take place this year. The sold out race was scheduled to take place in just two weeks, on June 13, 2010. Reason for the cancelation, a highly contagious strain of Foot-and-Mouth disease was found to present in Miyazaki.
It's quite a blow to those triathletes that have been training for months for their opportunity to conquer the Goto Nagasaki Ironman course. On the other hand, this might help the pain. In regards to the entry fees, the cancellation of travel, Goto City is considering reimbursing participants.
Here is the letter from the Ironman Japan Chairman:
Dear Participants of Ironman Japan Triathlon 2010 Goto Nagasaki
Ironman Japan Triathlon Goto Nagasaki 2010 is officially canceled.
We know that you are well into your preparations for the race. We are also entering the final stages of preparation for this year's Ironman Japan, which marks the 10th anniversary of the event.
We have hosted the event to bring together athletes from around the world and citizens of Goto.
However, the highly infectious Foot-and-Mouth disease has throughout Miyazaki. We don't know when the outbreak will be contained.
Goto City is a prominent producer of livestock with our own "Goto Beef" valued as a prize brand in the region. Our city is known as the "Island of stock-raising" and 40% of the total income is from agricultural produce.
Some parties made a request to have Ironman Japan postponed. Subsequently, Goto executive members held several meetings to discuss postponement of the event.
Further discussions were made after this meeting regarding two proposals: to postpone or to have the race with disease control measures. Both of these proposals were rejected.
Postponement is too difficult since Ironman Japan is followed by other events in a set schedule. Holding event is also difficult since Goto city cannot provide adequate disease prevention measures.
We had a meeting with all members of the Goto assembly 31st of May. It was a very difficult decision to come to, but it was decided that the event is to be canceled.
We understand that you have been training for this event. I hope you understand our situation.
We would like to ask you to keep in mind that the citizens of Goto have always loved Ironman Japan, and we believe we can see you again.
In regards to the entry fees, the cancellation of travel, Goto City is considering reimbursing participants. We will contact you, and ask for your patience and understanding for us to come to a decision.
May 21st 2010
Ironman Japan, Goto Nagasaki
Goto Chairman
Ikuko Nakao
