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Ironman Triathlon in Morro Bay canceled after 187 swimmers were rescued from rough waters

The Ironman Triathlon abruptly terminated its contract with the city of Morro Bay a year early, canceling the race planned for next spring after hundreds of athletes had to be rescued from strong currents in the harbor.

 

“Based on athlete feedback and further evaluation of the limited swim course options that have presented a variability of challenging conditions, we did not feel it was in the best interest to continue producing this event,” Ironman wrote in a statement to The Tribune. “We understand the disappointment this may cause for participants who enjoyed this event and its beautiful location.”

 

The World Triathlon Corporation hosted the race in Morro Bay two years in a row. In 2023, the 70.3-mile triathlon race went off without a hitch. In 2024, however, strong tides created challenging swimming conditions in the bay — which meant more than 300 athletes had to be assisted out of the water.

 

On July 1, the company informed the city by letter that it would cancel the triathlon planned for next May.

 

“The World Triathlon Corporation’s decision to cancel the third year came as a surprise to us. We found out the information from a social media post. A day later, we received a letter,” Morro Bay City Manager Yvonne Kimball wrote in an email to The Tribune. “The termination letter suggested that WTC made a business decision to cancel the 2025 event, which is not a reflection of the city’s partnership with WTC.”

 

A great blue heron roosts in a tree overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary.

A great blue heron roosts in a tree overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary.

Ironman Triathlon canceled in Morro Bay

The city of Morro Bay and the organization Visit Morro Bay held a joint contract with World Triathlon Corp. to host Ironman in Morro Bay for three years — in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Kimball said.

To support the event, the city waived permit fees for use of the Morro Rock parking lot, Coleman Beach and the boardwalk, she said. This year, the city also spent about $40,000 on staff time for event preparation and safety. Meanwhile, data from Visit Morro Bay projected that the event would generate about $100,000 in tourism dollars for the community, she said.