SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Western Massachusetts Ironman athletes trained for months, but when race day came, the Connecticut River was too dirty to swim in.

For a second straight year, the Ironman Triathlon had to cancel the swimming portion of the race. The race has only been running for four years.

Sewage overflows during thunderstorms Saturday night caused organizers to make the call early Sunday morning.

The swim was supposed to be 1.2 miles south on the Connecticut River, ending at Riverfront Park.

The athletes tackled a course that included parts of Springfield, West Springfield, Westfield, and Southwick.

The bicycle and running portions of the race were not impacted. West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt took part in the cycling, and says this event has become a highlight in the area.

“So bringing in all these people from outside of the region, I continuously say this, is huge for Western Mass. because we’re bringing in money and economic impact from other parts of the state,” he said.

The Western Mass. Ironman event serves as a warm-up for many participants as they prepare for larger Ironman courses like Lake Placid. Swimming is an essential part of that training. Reichelt says he wants to work with Ironman staff to make sure that everyone can have a complete triathlon.

“We talked about some contingencies for the river, specifically next year yesterday morning with the race staff before I got on the bike,” he said. “Also, I’ve talked with a bunch of people who’ve had suggestions of other places maybe in the region to hold the swim for that same issue of, you know, two years in a row now.”

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