Following the suspension of entries on October 1st, Ironman announced today that the 2016 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne, otherwise known as Ironman Melbourne, was cancelled.

The decision follows the rescheduling of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix to the same weekend. The Ironman Melbourne organisers had already rescheduled the race following an earlier F1 date change but deemed a second rescheduling would not proceed due to factors beyond their control.

Ironman Asia-Pacific CEO, Geoff Meyer said, “Holding both events on the same day was explored; however, the impact on the city, surrounding communities, roads and emergency services was not manageable  for an event to be delivered in Melbourne to the level required for our athletes’ safety and satisfaction”.

Meyer added, “For the past four years we have delivered a truly outstanding and world-class event that has brought close to 10,000 athletes from across the globe to the city of Melbourne. We sincerely thank the Victorian Government and all of our event partners for their involvement during this period”.

Acknowledging the decision would disappoint fans of the event, Meyer noted “This was not an easy decision as the event has become a much loved one by athletes and the IRONMAN community all over the world”.

Ironman Melbourne entrants will be contacted by organisers to notify them of race transfer and refund options.

The race typically attracted a fast field and the 75 qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship will be redistributed.

At this stage, there has been no mention of whether the event will be held in 2017. However, with a course unlike any other in the world, Ironman athletes will be hoping it returns with some cooperation from our friends in the Formula One family.

To read the full media release, visit the Ironman website.