Unhealthy air quality as a result of smoke from the nearby King Fire forced organizers of Ironman Lake Tahoe to cancel the event just minutes before the start in Kings Beach early Sunday morning.

The disappointment could be felt and heard from the crowd of athletes gathered in preparation for the start as the organizers made the following statement over the PA system:

"Good morning everyone. We have some unfortunate news regarding today's race. As you all know, smoke from the King Fire has impacted the Tahoe basin over the past week. Race organizers have been monitoring air quality and weather patterns with the state and county officials for the past three days. The most recent data generated at 6am this morning indicates that air quality along the bike course, the run course and the finish line is hazardous to human health.  We had hoped that the air quality would improve through the night, but the weather did not negate circumstances. For the well being of athletes, volunteers and spectators, county air quality officials have recommended that the event be cancelled. We apologize until waiting until the last minute for this message, but we wanted the most up to date data. As of 6am air quality in Tahoe City, Palisades Tahoe and Truckee is hazardous to outdoor activity. So today's event has been cancelled."

Despite hopes to the contrary, the smoke and resulting degradation in air quality, which had begun to increase Saturday afternoon after a fairly clear day, continued overnight. Sunday morning's air quality readings at both Tahoe City and Truckee (see graphics below, courtesy of aqicn.org and photos) were in the "unhealthy" or "hazardous" range.

Following the disappointing news, athletes were asked to pack up their gear and ride the numerous busses back to Palisades Tahoe to retreive their belongings there.

As of this report, IRONMAN officials have indicated that a "further statement will be forthcoming".

For more information and updates, visit www.ironmanlaketahoe.com.