HOORN – The sixth edition of IRONMAN Westfriesland is expected to be warm and sunny. Due to forecasted high temperatures on Sunday, June 22, the heat protocol has been activated. This was announced by Mayor Jan Nieuwenburg in a council letter outlining the safety preparations for the international triathlon event.
According to the most recent data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), the temperature in Hoorn could reach a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius. “This means the heat protocol for this event has been activated,” said Mayor Nieuwenburg. The IRONMAN organization, in close coordination with safety partners, has taken additional precautions to ensure a safe race.
Safety consultation and coordination
“On Tuesday, June 17, a safety meeting took place concerning the organization of IRONMAN Westfriesland,” the mayor stated. “Present were representatives from the fire department, police, North Holland North Safety Region, medical experts, GHOR, the municipality of Hoorn and IRONMAN Europe.” During the meeting, all parties expressed confidence in the event’s execution, largely due to “the significantly improved preparation, mutual coordination and the enhanced safety plan including the heat protocol.”
Cooling measures and expanded medical support
Under what is referred to as ‘scenario orange’, several extra cooling and safety measures will be implemented. These include misting stations on the run course, cooling baths at the finish line, extra power for ventilators, shaded areas, and thousands of sponges for participants. “Additional party tents are placed to create shaded areas at the finish,” and “3,000 extra sponges” will be distributed for cooling purposes.
The number of medical staff has also been increased. “Medical staffing is scaled up so that personnel can take turns and remain effective in providing care during busy moments,” the mayor added.
Kids of IRON cancelled due to heat
The children’s component of the event, Kids of IRON, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, has been cancelled. “This decision was made following a negative recommendation from involved parties regarding the safety of the event,” said Nieuwenburg. The activity would have taken place “during the hottest part of the day (between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM),” and additional measures were required to ensure children’s safety. “The organizing party, Stichting Westfriesland Events, cannot fully meet these requirements,” Nieuwenburg explained.
Sportdokters ready to assist 2,500 athletes
Stichting Sportdokters, the organization providing medical assistance during the race, has stated that all preparations are in place to help around 2,500 athletes finish safely. “We are in direct contact with surrounding hospitals, and multiple ambulances are stationed on site for rapid hospital transfers,” they shared in a Facebook post.
Their medical deployment includes “six pools, two ice tubs, 2,500 kg of ice, 50 healthcare professionals, and 30 ALS beds.” A crisis team consisting of an ER doctor, intensivist, anesthesiologist, trauma surgeon, ambulance nurse, specialist nurse, two general coordinators, and the official in charge of medical operations (OvdG) is in place. “Every athlete in need of care will receive high-quality treatment from our doctors, nurses, and first-aid staff,” the organization wrote. “We are ready. Now it’s up to the athletes.”
Monitoring and possible further measures
Additional coordination meetings are scheduled for Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, including on-site inspections. “If there is cause for further escalation of the heat protocol, this will be done immediately in consultation with all involved parties,” the mayor stated. Further escalation could include shortening the run course or even partial cancellation. “We emphasize that, at this moment, there is no indication that such measures are necessary.”
Mayor Nieuwenburg concluded his letter with a message to the council and community: “We hope to see you this Sunday at this edition of IRONMAN Westfriesland. Enjoy the sunny day and this beautiful event—and please protect yourself from the sun and heat.”
