Triathlon test: IRONMAN Chattanooga returns this weekend amid Tennessee River concerns
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 26: Athletes compete in the swim portion during the IRONMAN Chattanooga on September 26, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 26: Athletes compete in the swim portion during the IRONMAN Chattanooga on September 26, 2021 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Will the swim portion of this wekeend’s IRONMAN triathlon be a ‘win’ or a ‘washout?’
That’s something that race organizers say is too early to determine. But the cancellation of the swim competition at last May’s IRONMAN competition weighs heavy on athletes’ minds.
This weekend, IRONMAN returns to the Scenic City for its 11th year, featuring a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run across Hamilton County and southeastern Tennessee.
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As usual, the swim portion is scheduled to take place in the Tennessee River, with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) closely monitoring the water flow rate as the event approaches.
James Everett, general manager for River Management at TVA, explained the organization’s role in ensuring favorable conditions for the triathlon.
“Our folks in River Forecast Center, they’re keeping an eye on these weather systems. They are there is, you know, the potential for some storm activities week, not seeing a tremendous amount of heavy rainfall. But of course, it’s the weather, so things can change day to day, and that’s one of the reasons why those folks are there. 24/7 keeping an eye on it,” Everett said.
TVA is responsible for managing the water not only for flow control and special events like IRONMAN but also considering hydro generation, water supply, water quality, and commercial navigation.
Everett noted, “They’re managing it, not just for flow control and for special events like the IRONMAN, but we’re also taking into account hydro generation and water supply and water quality and commercial navigation. So a lot of different parts and pieces come together. And certainly, Iron Man is one of those things where we try to make the conditions as favorable as possible.”