Nor'easter threat looms over Jones Beach Ironman as athletes prepare for uncertain race conditions
Athletes picking up their race bibs Thursday said they remain confident the event will go on, despite the uncertain forecast.
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Nearly 4,000 athletes are expected to take part in this year’s Ironman triathlon at Jones Beach on Saturday, but an approaching nor’easter could impact race conditions.
Athletes picking up their race bibs Thursday said they remain confident the event will go on, despite the uncertain forecast.
Cindy Beck, of Holbrook, has spent the past five months training for the race. She said difficult weather is part of the challenge.
“It doesn’t mean it isn’t going to be a little challenging and a little ugly at times, and we are out there, but that’s part of the game,” Beck said.
Some competitors traveled thousands of miles to Long Island for the race, including Eva Portrou, of Montreal, Canada.
“We’ll see when we get there. I guess we’ll have to deal with the conditions that are given to us,” Portrou said.
New York State Parks officials say a contingency plan is in place if weather conditions become a concern. The plan is still being amended.
George Gorman, regional director for New York State Parks on Long Island, said officials will meet with Ironman representatives Saturday morning to determine whether any changes are needed.
“We will be meeting with the Ironman representatives and make a determination what, if anything, we have to do in regards to changing courses or taking any other actions,” Gorman said.
This is the fourth year that Long Island has hosted the Ironman triathlon. Gorman said three of the previous four races were held during bad weather conditions.
Officials will make a final determination Saturday morning based on the latest weather conditions.
