Athletes Train for Months Only to See Lake Mead Triathlon Called Off Amid Federal Closure

Hundreds of athletes who had prepared for months to compete in this weekend’s Pumpkinman Triathlon at Lake Mead National Recreation Area were disappointed when organizers announced the event’s cancellation, citing the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The event’s shutdown stemmed from the closure of federal services within the recreation area, which prevented necessary on-site staff and permitting processes from being fulfilled. With fewer than five weeks into the federal lapse, officials noted that resources typically provided by the park and federal workers were unavailable.

In response, race organizers offered registrants the choice to participate in a free 5K or 10K run Sunday, and allowed entrants to apply their registration credit toward a future race. One aspirant, who had begun training last year and was to swim 1,500 meters and bike nearly 25 miles, said he was “shocked” and “disheartened” by the cancellation.

Officials say they plan to stage the Pumpkinman Triathlon next year but have no firm plans to reschedule during the current year.

Source: KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas