Race Date Changed for Kona 2006

Race Date Changed for Kona 2006

Reposted story: This story was originally placed on the site in February, 2006.

World Triathlon Corporation Announces Date Change for the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship.

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Each year, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) works with various government organizations in the Kailua-Kona community and throughout the state of Hawaii to finalize plans for the Ford Ironman World Championship. Recently, WTC learned from the Department of Land and Natural Resources' officials that there is a conflict with cruise ship operators and current permits for use of Kailua Pier with the event scheduled for October 14, 2006. WTC understands the need to be flexible and recognizes the importance of tourism to the Kona community and the Big Island of Hawaii. Therefore, WTC announces that the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship will now take place on October 21.

"With the increase of cruise ships and tourism needs related to pier use, we believe that moving our race date is the only viable solution for the Kona community," said Ford Ironman World Championship Event Director, Diana Bertsch. "Ironman takes great pride in our partnerships within the Kona community and will continue to support our local partners. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes to our athletes."

Athletes who have already qualified for the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship at the Half Ironman Monaco Triathlon, Ford Ironman Wisconsin, Ford Ironman Florida or the Dodo Ironman Western Australia Triathlon have been notified.