A proposal to close a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway for an Ironman competition runs counter to National Park Service policies and regulations, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.
The proposed race would close 21 miles of the scenic highway to the public for a day in early June to allow for the road bike component of the race.
The Special Use Permit request comes from The IRONMAN Group, which wants 21 miles of the bicycle ride during its triathlon to take place on the Parkway on Sunday, June 5. The permit application requests a full closure of both directions of the motor road take effect the afternoon of Saturday, June 4, from Milepost 91 (VA State Route 43) to Milepost 112 (VA State Route 24); and reopen by mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 5.
