Weather worries: Rain may force major changes to Ironman Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. — After 21 years in the Valley, Ironman Arizona will return to Tempe for the final time on Sunday — but rain in the forecast could force a major change to the race.

More than 2,000 athletes from across the country and around the world are checking in ahead of the event, which Tempe officials say has become too difficult to host as the city continues to grow and construction expands.

“We’re sad to see this race go. It’s a long-standing race,” race director Ryan Cooper said.

The course has earned a strong reputation among competitors. The run portion is rated third-best in North America, and the event is known as the “Valley of the PR” — personal record — thanks to its flat roads and fast times.

Among those competing is Jacinda Rose, who traveled from Las Vegas for her second Ironman.

“I grew up watching my mom start from just starting basic triathlons, and then she worked her way to do an Ironman, and she did Ironman Arizona 15 years ago, actually,” Rose said.

But there’s a looming concern ahead of Sunday’s race: rain in the forecast. If stormwater runoff affects water quality in Tempe Town Lake, organizers may have to cancel the 2.4-mile swim.

“So if we get a certain amount of rain, we will make the decision, or the decision will be made for us by Tempe that we won’t be able to have the swim,” Cooper said. “We will do our best to try to get all of the water quality testing done in advance to be able to continue with our swim.”

If the swim is canceled, the race would begin with a time trial on bikes — something that has happened before. Still, many athletes are hoping for the full Ironman experience.

“I’m just hoping the swim doesn’t get canceled,” said competitor Brandon Durrette. “I don’t like swimming, but I don’t feel like I’d be a true Iron Man if I didn’t swim.”

 “Even if I don’t like it, I hope they don’t cancel it,” Rose said. 

The race begins Sunday morning at Tempe Town Lake. Competitors will swim 2.4 miles (weather permitting), bike 112 miles through Maricopa County and finish with a 26.2-mile run looping through Tempe Beach Park.

It takes nearly 2,000 volunteers to stage the event — almost a one-to-one ratio with athletes.

“So we just want to say a special thanks to all of our volunteers, all of our supporters throughout the year that made this race possible,” Cooper said.

After two decades, Ironman Arizona will cross its own finish line this Sunday — rain or shine.