The trucks load in. Road signs line the streets. Cyclists, runners and swimmers in coordinated gear rise with the sun to start their day. Race day is near. IRONMAN is here.
IRONMAN Lake Tahoe attracts triathletes from around the world to compete for 50 slots to get into the 2016 IRONMAN World Championship and another 30 slots for the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. On the Ironman Lake Tahoe website they say it “is arguably the world’s toughest course.” Starting in Kings Beach these athletes endure a 2.4 mile swim in 65-70 degree water, transition to a grueling 112 mile bike ride climbing hills at 7200 feet then end with a full marathon from Squaw Valley to Tahoe City and back. Spectators, Recreational athletes, family, fans and locals line the streets every September to support the event and athletes.
The question again this year is whether the athletes will be able to compete. Since Saturday, in all of North Tahoe, the air quality has been less than ideal to host IRONMAN. According to the Placer County Air Polution Control District the air quality is listed at 60.0 μg/m³ and an air quality advisory was issued September 13, 2015.
Last year the cancellation of IRONMAN was devastating yet some athletes chose to partake in the event regardless of the air quality. The year before last the athletes endured our first snow fall and many dropped out after hypothermia set in after the first event, swimming. Today on September 15, the smoke has cleared and the surrounding mountains of Lake Tahoe are visible and hopes are high as the anticipation of race day draws near.
Click here for Ironman Lake Tahoe Video
Click here for Ironman Lake Tahoe Course
For further information or to follow air quality in the area please visit
http://www.placer.ca.gov/departments/air/currentairquality
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