Thousands Upset After Annual Torrance Beach Triathlon Is Abruptly Canceled

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Over a thousand people are disappointed after this weekend's "LA Triathlon" in Torrance has been abruptly canceled.

Roughly 1,500 athletes take part in the "LA Triathlon at Torrance Beach" -- an annual event that combines running, swimming and bicycling.

However, just days before this year's event, organized by Pacific Sports, the triathlon has come to a screeching halt.

Torrance officials announced on Friday that "The City set deadlines and established expense estimates for Pacific Sports to fulfill it's financial obligation. Unfortunately, Pacific Sports did not comply. Reluctantly, the City could not provide the personnel and equipment to allow for the City's closing of streets and fulfillment of special events requirements."

Hikari Kimura spent months training for the event and is upset that athletes were given such short notice of the cancellation.

"It's a shame that you have to cancel an event like this, a fun event, that hundreds of people participate in, over money," Kimura said.

Pacific Sports offered this explanation blaming Torrance for refusing to bend, "We are upset and deeply disappointed by the cancellation, but the requirements were unreasonable and excessive. Accepting the terms would have compromised the entire event and were untenable for us to continue at the current site for the LA Triathlon." 

Folks who live in Torrance and planned to attend now want answers from sides.

"Travel, flights, hotels. It's more than just entry fees. It's a pretty big deal," Torrance resident Ryan Burgess said