The Lakeshore Women's Triathlon has been cancelled this year.
Race Director Sarah Foster said unfortunately due to the conditions caused by the wildfires up north, the race in Port Elgin that was set for Saturday will not proceed.
"We've made the difficult decision to cancel this year's race, due to the continued challenges with air quality in our area and the forecast that it's only going to get worse tomorrow," she said in a video posted Friday morning. "This decision wasn't an easy one, but we wanted to look out for the health and safety of our athletes, our volunteers and our supporters."
The Air Quality Health Index risk measured in Tiverton Friday morning was still a 10-plus.
Foster said they cannot offer refunds but will to send race shirts and medals to registered participants if they would like to receive them.
"We still do have expenses to pay from the race... we still will be making community donations, once our expenses are paid, to our regular donees," she said.
Organizations that will receive donations include the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, the Respite Women's Shelter on Saugeen First Nation, the Bruce Shrine Club, and the Saugeen Life Saving Society.
To receive shirts and medals, or to learn more about the cancellation, email Foster at [email protected].
