Does Ironman still ♥ Coeur d’Alene?

Why did Ironman pull the plug on the full triathlon in Coeur d’Alene?

It’s still unclear.

After several phone messages — left by The Press at Ironman headquarters in Tampa, Fla. — went unreturned, someone from Ironman responded Monday to an email sent late last week to press@ironman.com.

“While the location continues to be an amazing destination and a community we have always enjoyed, it is important to us that our relationships with host venues, including the city, spectators and partners are mutually beneficial,” said the unsigned message. “In discussion with the Chamber and partners, we have agreed that the best path forward for all parties is to discontinue the full-distance Ironman Coeur d’Alene event and put all of our focus into making the Ironman 70.3 race in Coeur d’Alene the best it can possibly be for everyone involved.”

There is, however, real evidence that triathletes just aren’t all that interested in coming to Coeur d’Alene in August for a 140.6-mile race/ Maureen Dolan , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.