Local Man Arrested at Ironman in Lake Placid for Leaving Son Alone While He Raced

A Kenmore man was taken into custody during the Ironman Lake Placid competition after authorities say he left his 9-year-old son unattended for nearly 10 hours while competing in the race.

The man, Harley Tong, disputes the claim and says the situation has been misunderstood.

“He wasn’t alone,” said Tong. “We had been, throughout the whole week, talking with all of the volunteers and Ironman staff.”

Tong and his son traveled to Lake Placid a few weeks before the race. Originally planning to bring both his sons, Tong said his older son couldn’t make the trip, leaving him without childcare for his younger child.

He explained that he spoke with two Ironman volunteers who then issued his son a VIP pass.

“She (volunteer) looked at me and said you’re not allowed to not finish,” said Tong. “They knew about the legacy program and that it was my son’s first event and I truly believe that all of the best intentions were to give him a phenomenal experience.”

However, the day of the event didn’t go as planned. Tong said unexpected weather conditions and equipment problems caused significant delays during the race.

Lake Placid Police received two separate complaints about a child left unsupervised. Officers responded and located Tong’s son sitting under a table.

According to the police report, an investigation found that the child had been left alone for approximately 10 hours while Tong participated in the triathlon.

Police removed Tong from the race to question him.

Despite explaining his version of events, he was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

“It’s a series of unfortunate events and a misunderstanding,” said Tong. “Hopefully we will be able to get it all corrected.”

Tong acknowledged the efforts of all involved and expressed that he took something away from the experience.

“There is definitely going to be a party of three anywhere I go now it seems,” he said.

Tong was released the same day and is scheduled to appear in Lake Placid Village Court on August 7th.

Local Man Arrested at Ironman in Lake Placid for Leaving Son Alone While He Raced