ST. GEORGE, Utah – The 2020 Ironman St. George Triathlon has been canceled according to officials.

A statement was released on Monday afternoon.

“When we postponed the IRONMAN North American Championship St. George triathlon from its original date of May 2, 2020 to September 19, 2020, we felt confident we would still be able to deliver an exceptional event at the later date,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, based on further conversations with and direction from local authorities, including medical, health and safety leaders in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the best interest of our IRONMAN community and the local communities, the IRONMAN North American Championship St. George cannot take place in 2020. In what has been a continually evolving and challenging time globally, we recognize that this may come as a disappointment, but assure you that our commitment to our athletes and the success of our sport is stronger than ever. Our partnership with St. George remains strong and we are scheduled to hold six races from 2021-25.

There was hope for a St. George IRONMAN race in September, but organizers say COVID-19 makes a race this year impossible. https://t.co/fXjyseYKye

— The Spectrum (@SpectrumNews) August 10, 2020

“These races will include the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in 2021, two IRONMAN North American Championships and three IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championships. All registered athletes of the 2020 IRONMAN North American Championship St. George triathlon will be receiving an email with further information.

“We thank our athletes for their commitment and look forward to providing them with an exceptional race experience in the future.”