The Ironman African Championship, scheduled for 29 March in Port Elizabeth will go ahead as planned, according to the event organisers. This is in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which has disrupted some major sporting events across the world.

The number of confirmed cases in South Africa was, as of Wednesday, counted at 13 after a further five people tested positive for COVID-19.

Ironman PE to go ahead

Some athletes from abroad who had registered to take part in the popular endurance race have been affected by travel restrictions enforced due to the coronavirus.

According to the Ironman Group, those who are unable to make it to South Africa due to such restrictions have been refunded their entry fee.

The group said the race will go ahead as the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is yet to advise otherwise.

A statement published on the Ironman website has acknowledged that the outbreak is a “public health emergency of international concern”, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“We are monitoring the situation with public health officials to follow and implement measures dictated by health agencies and governments,” the statement reads. “We will continue to take appropriate actions on an event-by-event basis, following the decisions made by these respective authorities and agencies. “Additional information will be shared with athletes and our partners as appropriate and will be made available on event pages and social media accounts. We ask you to stay updated with respect to the impact of the outbreak in your location, follow governmental and agency recommendations to minimise risk, and follow any potential restrictions put in place. Anyone travelling for competition purposes should make themselves familiar with respective national and world health organisation updates in those locations as well as travel policies from airlines and hotels. As always, athletes should monitor their personal health appropriately and not race or travel to any event if they are unwell.” Ironman Group

The athletes are urged to practice strict hygiene protection measures recommended by the WHO.

General view during the 2019 Standard Bank Ironman African Championship build-up day 3 in Port Elizabeth on 6 May 2019. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/B ackpagePix

Athletes and spectators are expected to flock to Port Elizabeth in the last week of March for the event.

The festivities kick off with the Corporate Ironman Challenge on Saturday 28 March before the main event the following day.