LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Hundreds of athletes who trained for months to compete in the Pumpkinman Triathlon at Lake Mead this weekend were left disheartened after the event was canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown.

"I was shocked. I never thought that this government shutdown would impact anything that I was involved in, but seeing what's happened, it's really disheartening," said Ron Gay, who was set to compete in his first triathlon.

VIDEO: Jhovani Carrillo talks to a local who was set to race in the Pumpkinman triathlon Triathlon canceled amid ongoing government shutdown

Gay has dreamed of crossing a triathlon finish line for months after overcoming health issues. He learned of the Pumpkinman Triathlon more than a year ago and began training immediately.

"This was going to be

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