1 min readTwo triathletes died during a half Ironman distance competition in Cork, Ireland in August, according to media reports, including Birmingham Live. The race, an entity of Ironman Ireland was not officially sanctioned by the by Triathlon Ireland due to the adverse water conditions, according to a statement from Triathlon Ireland.
Now, the Gardai, Ireland's national police service, is asking people to come forward as witnesses or with footage of the swim portion of the race, which took place off the coast of Cork, according to Birmingham Live.
Seasoned triathletes Brendan Wall, 45, and Ivan Chittenden, 64, died during the swim, according to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
The race had already been delayed a day due to weather, according to CBC, and even then, race officials decided to shorten the swim distance due to conditions.
However, according to CBC, the Ironman organization said Triathlon Ireland didn’t tell race officials that it wouldn't sanction the event due to safety until hours after the swim had been completed.
A statement from Cork County Council, the host sponsor, said that Ironman has “sole responsibility for the management and coordination of the event.”
An investigation is currently underway.
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner’s World, the author of The Runner’s World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a nine-time marathoner with a best of 3:23. She’s also proud of her 19:40 5K and 5:33 mile. Heather is an RRCA certified run coach.
