Foot & Mouth Forces Cancellation of Ironman Japan Triathlon

Organisers have today announced the cancellation of the 2010 Ironman Japan scheduled to be held on 13th June at Goto Nagasaki due to the threat of Foot and Mouth disease. Goto is a predominantly agricultural area and organisers say cannot risk the devastation that an out break would cause to the local economy.

Like many Ironman races around the world, the race had sold out for the first time in it’s ten year history with a record of over 1,250 entries. With athletes having completed their training and booked travel and accommodation this will be a bitter blow. The popularity of the sport also means there are few alternatives for athletes looking to ensure that all of their hard work does not go to waste.

In a posting on the site, organisers say they considered postponing the event but the schedule of other Ironman races did not allow this.

Fee reimbursement is currently under consideration.