HAINES CITY, Florida — The Florida Ironman triathlon, which has taken place in Panama City Beach for years, has been moved to Polk County because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael.
- Florida Ironman moves from Panhandle to Haines City
- Hurricane Michael damage led to triathlon's move
- Florida Ironman is looking for volunteers for event
The event will now take place in Haines City at Lake Eva Park.
Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing and the City of Haines City have hosted the Ironman Florida 70.3, known as the half Ironman, at Lake Eva Park for the past seven years. However, with the short notice, officials say they need more manpower to get the event ready for participants.
“Normally we have months to prepare for an event like the half Ironman race,” said PCTSM Senior Sales and Events Manager Marc Zimmerman.
Now, they're looking for volunteers to work at the event. Ironman Florida has included a place for volunteers to register on its website.
Activities include athlete check-in days on Thursday through Saturday, bicycle check-in on Saturday and the Ironman race Sunday. Monday events will include an awards ceremony for the competitors.
The race itself takes place on Sunday, November 4, but events surrounding the race will start Thursday, November 1, and run until Monday, November 5.
Details for the event, such as the exact courses for the various segments of the race, have not yet been finalized.
The full Ironman triathlon event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.22-mile run. The Florida Ironman is a qualifier for the Ironman world championship.
The half Ironman set for April 14, 2019 in Haines City is open for registration.