Penticton Super League Triathlon cancelled day before Ironman announcement

PENTICTON – The triathlon industry continues to change in Penticton as one event cancels and another is expected to be announced today.

Triathletes planning to take part in this year’s Penticton Super League triathlon event appeared to be angry and dismayed based on social media comments responding to the sudden cancellation announcement yesterday, July 15, by MB Events. The event was scheduled to take place from Aug. 22 to 25 this year.

Ironman Canada has a press conference scheduled for today, July 16, to announce more details about plans for the return of the triathlon to Penticton.

"Athletes, we regret to inform you Super League Triathlon Penticton 2019 has been cancelled. Due to the current triathlon landscape in Penticton and recent announcement it is no longer financially viable for us to produce the event," reads the cancellation notice from MB Events.

The negative comments to sudden cancellation came in fast and furious.

“Way to ruin a family’s summer plans. Penticton should hold them accountable," one person said. Another commenter said, "That will hurt their reputation for years to come. It sucks that athletes are the ones who get hurt.”

“This is just messed up. Glad I hadn’t registered yet or sorted out accommodations.”

City of Penticton sports and events projects manager Carly Lewis says the city’s deal with MB Events included $110,000 worth of in-kind support and a $60,000 payment to the city by the company. She says that results in a net benefit to the city of $50,000 of in-kind savings.

Lewis says the cancellation was a mutual decision between the city and Michael Brown with MB Events, although she points out it was on Brown’s initiative.

She said the city is grateful to Brown and MB Events for their contribution to the hosting repertoire in Penticton and wished them luck with future events.

Last year was the first year for the Super League Triathlon in Penticton. The event was cancelled on Aug. 19, 2018, after the morning’s events because of poor air quality due to smoky conditions in Penticton.

This year’s event would have been the last year for MB Events' five-year contract to supply a triathlon event.

Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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