Race Previews

Washed Out....

Wednesday, 20 July 2016 23:10

Press Release

Moose Lake Triathlon Cancelled for July 23, 2016

By Craig Prudhomme


Four short years after a catastrophic flood hit Moose Lake and the surrounding area, our city has once again been inundated. The damage is significant and still being assessed as flood waters begin to recede.  Despite being much better prepared this time there are a number of events which have combined to affect every segment of our race.

• High water has caused sewage discharge upstream to flow into the lake. Until the water level comes down to normal levels and is tested as clear by the state, there is no swimming allowed....

• The bike trail has suffered a significant washout in one portion and there are compromised road shoulders and significantly eroded ditches along the route. Additional damage to secondary roads all over the area is focusing more traffic on the surviving roads and large construction vehicles and contractors will be out for weeks doing repairs. There is also a lot of gravel washed out over roads and the bike trail making it unsafe. Consultation with county highway and law enforcement would indicate significant permitting (state and county) and expense to re-route to these same higher trafficked public roads and more law enforcement supervision would be needed.


• A portion of the run route is under water. Rerouting would be very difficult due to higher numbers of businesses and private driveways on the alternate routes.

 The Moose Lake Area Chamber Triathlon committee consulted with the full Chamber board and it was decided that it would not be possible to hold a safe event given the limited time for repairs and adjustments before race date on July 23rd next weekend. Swimming will not be possible and flooding and washouts all over the area indicate no real options for rerouting. Therefore, the 2016 Moose Lake Triathlon is cancelled.


As for any race organizers, cancellation is a difficult thing. It disappoints passionate racers, pulls the rug out on hard-working volunteers, and hurts the bottom line of the organization. With small groups like our Chamber it could mean cuts to staffing, or events could be lost to the future.

We want to thank the support of our racers, of the racing community, and give a special callout to the Race Directors of the Buzz Ryan who graciously offered a discount to our racers. We also thank the Duluth Running Company and Trudy Marshall with Tempo Tickets for advice and support. We look forward to seeing our racers in 2017 - no floods please!

A link to our Facebook page shows some of the damage and challenges that will take our community weeks and months to repair. The experience of our 2012 flood meant for an efficient and effective response which helped reduce damage.

https://www.facebook.com/Moose-Lake-Triathlon-231340056955709/