IRONMAN Westfriesland ready for hot edition: ‘We are fully prepared down to the last detail’

HOORN – Two days before the sixth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Westfriesland, race director Loek Schreurs expresses confidence in the preparations, despite the expected heat. “We’re here in beautiful weather on the city beach in Hoorn. The preparations are going well,” Schreurs says in an interview about the international triathlon event taking place on Sunday, June 22.

With expected temperatures now between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius—slightly lower than earlier predictions that triggered the heat protocol—Schreurs remains confident. “We’ve established very solid protocols together with Sportdokters and the GHOR. These clearly state, per temperature level, what extra measures will be taken. So it’s quite easy to activate when needed,” he says. These measures were coordinated earlier in the week during meetings with the municipality of Hoorn, the regional safety authority, fire department, police, and IRONMAN Europe. “We’re sticking to the measures planned for 30–31 degrees. So we are well-prepared for the upper range.”

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Comprehensive measures

According to Schreurs, an extensive set of measures has been put in place for both athletes and spectators. “We have over fifty medical staff from Sportdokters, a large medical tent at the finish line with more capacity than some hospitals. We also have three extra water stations on the run course, 2,000 kilograms of ice, 50,000 additional cups, and 10,000 liters of extra water,” he lists. Shade areas have been created, and free sponges and water will be distributed at the finish line.

Spectators are also advised to take precautions: “Find enough shade, consider leaving small children at home, and stay hydrated. There are party tents at the finish area and food and drinks are available.”

Route and location adjustments

Compared to last year, adjustments have been made to the course and infrastructure. “The start has been moved to Oude Doelenkade to avoid congestion on the Otterbrug as happened last year. This ensures better flow.” The swim course has also been adjusted to reduce glare from sunlight, and the run course now includes two bridges on the city beach.

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The finish area has been rotated 90 degrees and redesigned to avoid bottlenecks: “On one side we have grandstands and VIP sections; on the other side you’ll find food trucks, shade, and a good view of the athletes.”

Extra pumps, potential extension of transition zone access

When asked about practical issues like tire pressure, Schreurs answers: “We have 25 to 30 bike pumps in the transition area. I advise not inflating tires too hard due to the heat. You can pump them up on race day.”

Schreurs also mentions that the organization is considering extending access to the transition zone for 5150 athletes until 8:45 a.m. “It’s not final yet, but I’d say there’s a 95% chance,” he says. Initially, the plan was to close the transition zone near Hollandia by 6:45 a.m., even though the 5150 race starts later. This scheduling relates to the pro race and finish times earlier in the morning.

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“At Hollandia, there’s essentially one entrance and one exit, both of which are used during the race,” Schreurs explains. “We don’t want people unknowingly walking through the transition area during the race and causing interference.” However, with fewer IRONMAN 70.3 participants showing up, there will likely be more space. “We can cordon off parts with fences or have volunteers check access. We may also use an alternative entrance near the Hollandia clubhouse,” says Schreurs. “We’ll share this update with volunteers in the transition zone, on our social media, and on the website.”

2026: Two-day event?

Schreurs notes that the Westfriesland region is becoming more accustomed to the event: “I think more people now understand what IRONMAN is. Of course, there are some who aren’t thrilled about being stuck for a few hours, but recruiting nearly 500 volunteers went much smoother this year.” Looking ahead, he’s open to expanding the event to two days. “It’s not ideal to hold the 5150 on the same day as the 70.3. There are conflicts with the bike, swim, and run courses. Splitting the events over Saturday and Sunday would be better.” This could also open up the possibility of organizing a sprint triathlon (1/8 distance) on Saturday alongside the 5150.

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Realism and responsibility

Schreurs remains realistic about the risks: “Even with 18 degrees, someone could have a heart attack. But I think we have everything covered from A to Z. We’re the only event going ahead this weekend. That says a lot.”

As race director Loek Schreurs sees it, the key outcome on Sunday afternoon should be clear: “That by 5:30 p.m. I can say: we’ve had a great, safe race, everyone gave their best, the spectators enjoyed themselves, and everyone crossed the finish line safely.”

This article is based on a video interview with OnsWestfriesland. You can watch the interview soon at ons.wf/youtube. Curious about the swim start, transition zone, and finish? Check out our explainer video.

📊 IRONMAN Westfriesland 2025 Athlete Info

👥 Total number of participants: 2400 (70.3), 550 (5150)
🌍 Countries represented: around 50
📈 International participation: 45% from the Netherlands, 55% international
🎂 Age of youngest and oldest participant: Youngest is 18; oldest still to be confirmed
⭐ Notable participants: Maurits Morsink (Paralympic medalist), Carlos Platier Luna (content creator

IRONMAN Westfriesland ready for hot edition: ‘We are fully prepared down to the last detail’

Comprehensive measures

Route and location adjustments

Extra pumps, potential extension of transition zone access

2026: Two-day event?

Realism and responsibility

📊 IRONMAN Westfriesland 2025 Athlete Info

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