PANAMA CITY BEACH – From now on, the annual IRONMAN triathlon is scheduled for November 7.
Although many occasions have been cancelled in the last seven months due to COVID-19, ironman appears to be one of them. IRONMAN has been a staple food for Bay County for two decades due to its stimulating local economy.
According to Visit Panama City Bevery one, IRONMAN attracts participants from more than 40 countries and almost all 50 states each year, with about 12,000 nights booked, generating an economic effect of more than $5 million.
More (2019): IRONMAN returns to PCB
“Panama City Beach is the only destination in the state of Florida to host a full IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70. 3,” said Richard Sanders, vice president of sports and occasions at the Bay County Tourism Development Council. “Being in our twenty-first year of partnership is a testament to our appointments with the IRONMAN team and shows great confidence and appreciation for our destiny.
More: GALERIA: IRONMAN Florida 2019
The triathlon was canceled in 2018 after Hurricane Michael made landfall a month earlier and destroyed much of Bay County, but returned last year with thousands of people from around the world.
The Bay County Commission on Tuesday legalized the use of The Rights of November 7. According to county officials, Panama City Beach approved THE COVID-19 protection plans of IRONMAN organizers.
“Obviously everyone is involved in the big meetings, however they are elite athletes and I think they are fit to go,” said Philip Griffitts, chairman of the county commission. “I’m not sure of the details, but I know they (the IRONMAN organizers) have been actively enforcing the protection protocols, so there will be some adjustments compared to past races. “
Griffitts added that IRONMAN officers have been planning the occasion for six months and being able to withstand it with minimal problems, said the occasion is vital for athletes because winning ironman at the PCB will qualify them for the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii.