Gulf Coast Oil Spill

I've been following the developments with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico the last couple of weeks very closely. I know it's still early but I'm worried that it might have an impact on the race in November. There was a half ironman race in Panama City Beach this past weekend which issued a contingency plan leading up to the race in case the oil came to that location. They basically decided that, if necessary, they would eliminate the swim portion of the race and turn it into a duathlon. I know the company that produces that race is not the same one that produces the ironman in November, but I have to think that the same decision could be possible. The thought of putting this much time and effort into preparing for the race only to find out they will change the distance into less of an achievement doesn't make me feel very happy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that somebody will figure out how to stop the oil very soon so that the environment, gulf coast residents, wildlife, and the race will not be affected any more than they already have. However, most of the recent reports have not shown a reason to be confident.