The second annual Ralphs California Half Ironman is scheduled for April 5, however, war concerns could cause this race to become a swim/run event without a bike leg. The 56 mile bike course takes place on a military base in Oceanside and there is a possibility that the bike will have to be cancelled. A letter from race directors Roch Frey and Paul Huddle, posted at http://www.ironmancalifornia.com, is shown below:

OCEANSIDE, Calif.-Many athletes who are competing in the Ralphs California Half-Ironman Triathlon have expressed concern about the bike course being on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the possibility of the base being closed due to war with Iraq or terrorist warnings.

As of today the race, including the bike course on Camp Pendleton, is still on as scheduled. While the likelihood is that the race will go on as scheduled, there is always an outside chance that an executive order will come down and close all military bases, thus not allowing for the race to utilize Camp Pendleton for the bike.   

That possibility is slim, but does exist. According to the City of Oceanside's Police Liaison officer, the base has been shut down only once in the past 30 or so years, and remained open during the Gulf War. Keep in mind that the attitude of the base and the Commanding General is that terrorist activities will not affect the American way of life and this event is a reflection of that exact statement.

Our back-up plan for this race is quite simple. If, for some reason, we don't have use of Camp Pendleton for our bike course, there will be no bike ride. We have been unable to secure a 56-mile ride off the base, which is why we are utilizing it in the first place. The race will become a swim/run duathlon and all prize money, awards and Ironman qualifying slots will be given accordingly.

We look forward to a great event on April 5th that includes a 1.2-mile swim in Oceanside Harbor, a 56-mile bike ride on Camp Pendleton, and a 13.1-mile run through the neighborhoods of coastal Oceanside.


All the best,

Paul Huddle & Roch Frey
Co-Race Directors