Organizers of the Ironman triathlon canceled the 2025 Morro Bay event after swimming conditions during this year’s race prevented more than 300 competitors from finishing. According to the city of Morro Bay, the city signed a contract with the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) Ironman, to host the race from 2023 to 2025; however, WTC ended the contract one year earlier than planned. The city found out about the organization’s decision to cancel via a July 2 post on Ironman 70.3 Morro Bay’s Facebook page, a staff report from the July 23 City Council meeting stated. “It is always our goal to deliver the best possible events and experiences for our athletes. However, based on athlete feedback and further evaluation of the limited swim course options that have presented a variability of challenging conditions, we did not feel it was in the best interest to continue producing this event,” the Facebook post read. “We understand the disappointment this may cause for participants who enjoyed this event and its beautiful location or were looking forward to taking on this course.” Morro Bay received official notice of the decision the next day, on July 3, after the city reached out to WTC. “Not only were we surprised by the WTC’s decision to cancel, we were disappointed in how WTC communicated their cancellation decision with us. Undoubtedly, the city fulfilled our obligations as a hosting agency,” the staff report read. “In reflection, we also recognize that hosting the Ironman events has been a major task for the community. We would like to extend our gratitude to the entire community for having supported the city to host Ironman events.” The WTC specified the decision was business-related, and not a reflection of the city’s partnership. City officials did not respond to New Times’ request for comment before publication. The Ironman 70.3, or half Ironman, consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. During the swim portion of the 2024 Morro Bay race in May, more than 300 swimmers were forced out of the water due to strong currents, which resulted in the WTC issuing free entries to future Ironman races for those who did not finish during the swim. California resident Grant Parker competed in both the 2023 and 2024 races at Morro Bay and completed the 2024 event despite the strong current. He anticipated the currents because he’d studied them for months prior, he told New Times. “The swimming conditions were exactly as I expected,” he said. “I understand where I am racing, and I research where I am racing.” Parker said he felt confused that Ironman did not prepare racers and educate them about the tide beforehand, but he said he also felt that it’s up to competitors to understand the route and its conditions. “I can’t blame Ironman,” he said. Parker said he was disappointed that 2025’s race was canceled. Despite the current, he said, Morro Bay was a great venue. “We were already talking about next year,” he said.